2023 PROSPECT RANKINGS 4.0
THE TOP 175: 8/1/23**
Following the All-Star break (and Futures Game), it's time to update our MLB Prospect Top 150!!! The year feels like its just zipping by and there have been dozens and dozens of call-ups, resulting a lot of fresh profiles in this edition of the Top 175, and unlike MLB Pipeline, we'll go ahead and add a few of the 2023 Draftees.
Before we launch into our 2023 Top Prospects 4.0, remember the thing about our ranks is that they are premised more on the production side (with higher level production having even greater weight -- i.e. what a prospect does at AAA is given higher regard than what happens at AA, A+, A, rookie ball -- especially considering the drop in production that most players experience after promotion). This is where we really differ from MLB Pipeline, Rotowire and others (especially MLB Pipeline, which historically also used a defensive component in their ranks, save for Francisco Alvarez, which was the glaring exception).
Which brings us to the next point? Why should you use our ranks? Well, because we are not simply regurgitating information from other ranks, we are valuing players differentlly -- hopefully, giving a real fantasy value that you can use to get ahead of your league rivals before the traditional ranks catch up!
So, our goal is to be ahead of the rankings curve. We don't need the big ranking boards to tell us how good a player is, we already know, and aren't afraid to be out there first. So, take a chance with us and you may end up getting top talent before anyone else does! (of course, we're not going to hit on everyone: i.e. take Matt Gorski 2022 vs 2023, ah well).
The MLB Pipeline and Roto ranks update so often (without an official release), its often hard to get a good historical comparator for those sites, but we try where we can. Speaking of MLB Pipeline, two forms of flattery occur (1) when MLB Pipeline follows us by ranking someone we've ranked first, and, (2) even better, when the big league club calls up a guy we've recognized before MLB Pipeline had them on the radar. And don't get us wrong, we love the guys over at MLB Pipeline, but as that's the gold standard, we think we can help lift them.
Our Prospect ranks use indicators (↑) or (↓) showing movement from our last ranks, "New" for new to our list or NC for no change. Each player has a position noted, current team, current age, expected level for 2023, expected date to debut or date debuted.
The last item of note is that we've tried to highlight the biggest departures between our ranks and that of MiLB Pipeline. Where we've elevated a prospect (noting a higher rank than MLB), we've highlighted that in yellow. Where we've demoted/devalued the player compared to MLB Pipeline, we've gone with blue (as in "cold" for us).
And off we go....
**Note: We've graduated guys that are currently in the majors (who have accumulated 125PAs or 25IP) and these players are listed at the end of our top 150. Sometimes we'll use A and A+ to designate the two Single A levels and sometimes we use "Low" A and "High" A.
2023 MLB Season (8/1/23 Update)
Top 175 Prospects 4.0
1. (↑) Jackson Holliday SS BALT 19.7 AA+ 2025 (MLB#13/#9/#1 | Roto #12/#15/#1)
2022 #1 overall pick Jackson Holliday stormed out of the gate in Rookie Ball, only to find himself struggling in low A (.238 Avg, 42ABs. 0 HRS, 10Ks, 1 SB). But, he was just 18 and it was just 42 ABs. Fast forward to 2023 and Jackson had figured out low A (.392 Avg, 1.190 OPS), earning a promotion to A+ where he continued to dominate (.295 Avg, .912 OPS, 5 HRs, 12 SBs over 193 ABs), though he struggled late in A+ ball (.243 Avg, 0 HRs, 43 ABs) before a promotion to AA (where he continued the hit parade: .375 Avg/.924 OPS (42 ABs). We really want to be bearish here (and weren't really impressed at the futures game), but he's obviously really really good already (with a 168 career wRC+, 6th best since 2018, min. 300 PAs) and only going to get better -- and the numbers he's putting up at this age at this level are incredible (for any age). So, despite our desire to play a minor contrarian and diverge a bit from MLB Pipeline and Roto here with, it is what it is. Holliday has earned #1.
2. (↑) Mason Miller SP OAK 24.11 MLB 2023 (MLB NR/#97/#76 | Roto #77/#120)
Roy &#@!% Kent. Well no, but Mason @#&%$ Miller!!! But at #2???? Are we crazy? Maybe... probably. But before a UCL sprain temporarily shut Mason down, he and his 101mph FB rocked the baseball world (MiLB: 8.2 IP, 19 K's!!!; MLB: 3.38 ERA, 21.1 IP, 22 K's). That high octane heater averaged an incredible 98.3 during his first 4 MLB starts, and adding those to his other two + pitches (slider, change) makes Mason absolutely ⚡⚡⚡⚡ electric! Fangraphs thinks so too with a 50 FV. While Mason isn't #1 anywhere else (because most ranks are far too static and Mason wasn't on many radars before this year, having only thrown 14 IP in 2022), but folks, Mason Miller is lights out and cannot be ignored!! --though he won't be here for long as he'll graduate our 25 IP mark with the next appearance. But let's be real for a moment, with EDLC (and many others now graduated) which fantasy prospect is the most valuable at this moment to your team? Maybe it will be CES or Henry Davis. But, if not for his injury, we have to say its Mason Miller.
3. (↑) Christian Encarnacion-Strand 1B CIN 23.5 MLB 2023 (MLB NR/#91/#86 | Roto #233/#63/#9)
With all their trades, the Reds revamped what had been a weak minor league system into one of the best. Obtaining Strand from MIN was one of those moves. In 2022, in 484 ABs across A+/AA, CES hit a whopping 32 HRs while batting .304 (.955 OPS) for a wRC+ of 152 (27th). And, in 2023 CES didn't hit the brakes (batting .365/1.136 OPS, w/ 10 HRs over 96 ABs, but just two BBs). This guy is the real deal and MLB Pipeline and Roto were slow to realize it (MLB didn't even have CES in its top 100 until May). But we (and the Reds) don't need MLB Pipeline to tell us how good CES is, as Strand debuted 7/17 and will have a chance to prove his mettle on the big stage.
4. (↑) Henry Davis C/RF PIT 23.10 MLB 2023 (MLB #19/#57/#48/#29 | Roto #21/#82/#92/#120/#20)
Unlike MLB Pipeline (and Roto, which was even worse), we never wavered on you Henry D! While Henry sports a high ceiling, we felt that what sets Henry Davis apart is such a high floor. If you were to build a prototypical catcher [robot or human] Henry Davis is the model. Davis just looks like a catcher, and has the hit tool unlike any other, save maybe his clone, Adley R (though we think he'll be better). But, after a quick run through A+ (wRC+ 177, 1.035 OPS, 5 HRs, 5 SBs), Davis hit a wall in AA Altoona in 2022: .207 Avg, 4 HRs over 116 ABs. Look, we weren't thrilled with those numbers but we were convinced Henry D would bounce back in 2023. And guess what? he did. The 2023 version of Henry Davis was back to being Henry Davis (.284 Avg, .974 OPS, 11 HRs, 9 Sbs, 183 ABs, 162 wRC+ good for 36th best among players w/ 100+ PA's), which in turn gave way to a promotion to the show on June 24th where Henry is there to stay! The only one caveat is PIT is dead set on Henry D playing the field and not catching, fine, except we'd sure like to keep that C designation!
5. (New) Jacob Misiorowski SP MIL 21.3 AA 2024 (MLB #90/#86/#46)
Boasting a 2.98 ERA / 1.09 WHIP (across 54.1 A-/A+/AA IP) with 79K's and just a .159
BAA (which had been an even more remarkable .135, along with a 2.53 ERA
before giving up 4 ERs in 4 IP in his 7/22 AA debut), the lanky 6'7" Jacob M has
arrived. And, after watching Misiorowski pump 100mph FB after 100 mph FB while
striking out the side in the 2023 Futures Game (though, ironically, on non-fastballs, like
it wasn't even fair). Players weren't saying "Misiorowski", they were saying
"Miserablerowski!" And, after the game, we had the great pleasure of talking to Jacob as and came away as impressed with him as a person as we were with his gift as a frontline SP1. Look for great things from the young fireballer, and go get him while he's undervalued, as he won't be for long.
6. (↑) Coby Mayo 3B BAL 21.7 AAA 2024 (MLB NR/#76 | Roto #54/#60/#67/#32)
At 6'5" 215+, Coby just looks like a 3B of the future. But, in 2022, the production didn't meet the projection as Coby hit fairly average in A+ (.251, .820 OPS, 14 HRs, 255 ABs, 62 K's) before a promotion to AA where the average stayed but the power numbers dropped and the K's rose (.250 Avg, .729 OPS, 5 HRs, 128 ABs, 50 K's). The wRC+ in 2022 (110) was even worse, placing Coby at just #546 among MiLB players. But, at just 21 (AA average is 23.8), Coby could afford to repeat and ace the AA test, which, in 2023, he did: .307 Avg / 1.027 OPS with 17 HRs, 4 SBs in 347 PA's with a 14.7% walk rate (and a .296 ISO) powering Coby to not only a good wRC+, but at 177, the best in MiLB (min 150 PA's, 200 PA's 300 PA's!). Coby hasn't just taken a step forward, he's put himself in the big league promotion discussion. But, as loaded as Baltimore is, hold the Mayo, and let Coby tackle AAA!
7. (↑) Junior Caminero 3B/SS TBR 20.0 AA 2024 (MLB NR/#60/#16 | Roto #123/#81/#54/#40/#6)
Joining the Jackson duo (Holliday & Chourio) as the young phenoms
of the year is our new #1: Junior Caminero. As good as Caminero
was in 2022 when he hit .299, .864 OPS, 6 HRs, 2 SBs in just 26 Low
A games, he's been even better across two levels in 2023 (A+: .356
Avg/1.094 OPS, 9 2bs, 3 3bs, 11 HRs // AA: .288 Avg / .787 OPS, 5
HRs, 155 PAs) equating to the 36th best wRC+ (149) in MiLB (min.
250 PAs). To have just turned 20 and be hitting better than average in AA is pretty good. And, as an added plus, Junior looked big at the hot corner in the futures game (and definitely not just 157 lbs as MLB Pipeline/Fangraphs
list him) [oh, that
reminds us, Francisco
Alvarez was never 5'10"]. But back to Junior, sure,
Holliday is a stud and at a premium position (SS),
but, we liked what Junior did at A+ (190 wRC+)
over Holliday (162 wRC+) (including 2x as many HRs
[11 to 5] in 100 less PA's), plus, we like Junior's track
record thus far in AA, and, to us, Junior stood out
more in the Futures Game (despite all the Holliday
gushing). Caminero just gives off what feels like
a major league vibe. Think Vlad here! We are....
8. (↑) Daniel Espino RHP CLE 22.4 AA 2023 (MLB #11/#16/#53 | Roto #29/#35/#42/#76/#185)
Espino can really sling it, reaching 102 mph on his heater while parked in the 97-100 range. That +++ FB anchors a 2.45 ERA with 35 K's in 18.1 IP. Fangraphs had a 60 future value/grade to Espino putting him on short list shared only by Shane Baz and Grayson Rodriguez -- making his stats and stuff (scouting praise) equally impressive. The problem for Espino, though, is not his stuff but his body. From knee tendinitis to shoulder problems, Espino was only able to muster those 18.1 innings in 2022. Coming into 2023, you knew Espino would be limited in innings pitched. But no one thought that number would be zero! But, yet another injury (resulting in right shoulder surgery) has derailed Espino's promising career. And even Fangraphs took notice, dropping Espino's FV to 50. So what do you do here? Is this a Sixto Sanchez situation? Oodles of talent but just can't stay on the diamond.
9. (↑) Evan Carter OF TEX 20.10 AA 2024 (MLB #56/#41/#11/#7 | Roto #63/#29/#35/#31)
Evan Carter has the SPOW (speed/power) tools that Dynasty Focus appreciates. And while 2022 wasn't necessarily a "wow" kind of year in A+ (.287 Avg, .864 OPS. 11 HRs, 26 SBs), the overall line of 140 wRC+ (84th best) was pretty good (and which was needed after an underwhelming 2021 campaign in A ball -- .236 Avg, .825 OPS, 2 HRs over 106 ABs). That 2022 line generated a lot of buzz for 2023, with comps to Corbin Carroll's game, so what would Evan do? How about a .296 Avg, .889 OPS, 10 HRs and 11 SBs across 312 AA PAs (good for a 138 wRC+)... With a career MiLB 139 wRC+, good walk rates and very good speed (though that grade has dipped this year), Evan Carter is an exciting fantasy prospect and moves into our top 10!
10. (↑) Colt Keith 3B DET 21.11 AAA 2023 (MLB NR/#87/#39 | Roto #202/#77/#73/#7)
You may remember Colt's name from our SPOW ranks, as in 2022 he batted .301, .914 OPS, 9 HRs, 3 3Bs and 4 SBs over 216 PA's for a wRC+ of 150. Fast forward to 2023 and a promotion to AA and it was even better for Colt: .325 Avg / .976 OPS, 18 2Bs, 14 HRs over 276 PAs for an outstanding wRC+ of 162 Wow! 🚀🚀🚀🚀 With that line, Colt earned a promotion to AAA where he hasn't yet found his power stroke (.159 ISO, 3 HRs) but his hanging in there with a .290 Avg over 82 PAs.
11. (↑) Tyler Black OF/INF MIL 23.0 AA 2024 (MLB NR/#96 | Roto #202/#51)
How good is Tyler Black??!! After a slow start to AA (batting average wise: .225), Tyler has hit the daylights out of MiLB pitching over the last 30+ days (with the 9th best OPS over that span) to increase his average to .291 to go with a .980 OPS, 17% BB rate (to a 19.9% K rate), 12 2Bs, 7 3Bs, 14 HRs (previous career high was 4), 45 SBs (pvs career high was 13) resulting in a 158 wRC+ (12th best). What more can Tyler Black do to get promoted to AAA. Sheesh. One think you can do in Vegas, bet on Black, Tyler Black!
12. (↑) Connor Phillips RHP CIN 22.2 AAA 2024 (MLB NR/#100 | Roto #397/#139)
Sporting a plus fastball and at least average secondary pitches, Connor has been one of 2023's best hurlers in the minors: 3.17 ERA, 82.1 IP, and a whopping 134 K's for a 14.89 K9 rate (4th best in MiLB, min 50 IP)! And after a rough start to AAA, Connor has figured that out as well: 2.55 ERA, 23 K's 17.2 IP. He's the next dominant arm up in Cincy (the new pitching factory!)
13. (↑) Jackson Chourio OF MIL 19.4 AA 2024 (MLB #38/#10/#8/#5/#3 | Roto #89/#5/#6/#2)
The Brewer's top prospect started out hot in 2022 (.324 BA, 12 HRs and 10 SBs across 250 Low A ABs (good for a .435 wOBA, #29 in MiLB at that time). But the strike outs (28.2%) were a major concern. Still, Jackson earned the call to A+ where he didn't fare as well (.252 Avg, .805 OPS, but hit for more power: 8 HRS in 127 ABs). That power stroke "stoked" a promotion to AA where 23 ABs just weren't enough time to evaluate (but 11 K's in those first 23 ABs made us think
that promotion came too early). For 2022 as a whole, Jackson's line
resulted in a wRC+ of 135 (123rd overall) and put Jackson squarely on
everyone's prospect radar (especially because of his age: 18. But, some
of these lists have gone overboard in making Jackson a top 5 candidate
(including MLB Pipeline and Roto). In 2023, the Brew Crew chose to keep
Jackson at AA (as the youngest player there, at least at the time), where
over his first 322 PAs, he put together a below average: .249 Avg/.714 OPS
21.4% K rate (89 wRC+). But then something clicked, and maybe he's
figured it out, as over the last 88 PA's, Jackson has been a top 30 batter across all of MiLB with a .350 Avg/.984 OPS, 4 2Bs, 1 3B, 4 HRs, 9/10 SBs to raise his wRC+ to 105. And, as far as being #1 among 19 y.o.'s in AA, well, Junior Caminero took that over until his birthday on July 4th, as will Jackson Holliday when he has enough PA's. Among all AA players with 300+ PAs, Chourio is now #53 on the that list for the year. That's not bad. Look, Chourio has great potential and while he's not jumping off the board in any category (.178 ISO, 6.6 SPD rating, .350 wOBA), those are solid numbers (especially for a 19 y.o.)
14. (↑) Tink Hence SP STL 20.11 AA 2024 (MLB NR/#91/#77/#64 | Roto #298/#69/#91/#44)
We kept an eye on Tink Hence last year, even before a mid-west scout contacted
us about how good Tink was ("Think Tink" he said). But, initially we were too
bearish on Tink (as was Fangraphs with just a 40+ FV) -- despite his dominance in
2022 in Low A (52.1 IP, 81 K's, 15 BB's, .88 WHIP and an MiLB leading 1.94 xFIP)
2023 was more of the same -- 46 K's in 41.2 High A IP with a 2.81 ERA, 1.10
WHIP which earned Tink a promotion to AA where the start has been very good:
15 IP, 11 K's 1.80 ERA. With 3 plus grade pitches: change, curve and a FB that
can hit 99 but sits 95-97, Fangraphs has since increased Tink's grade to 50 for
2023). Meeting Tink at the 2023 Futures Game in Seattle (on 7/8/23) where he
struck out 1 over 1 IP) confirmed not only star status, but cool vibe status!
15. (↓) Colton Cowser OF BAL 23.4 MLB 2023 (MLB #40/#31/#14 | Roto #143/#15/#19/#16)
A meteoric riser in the MLB ranks is this guy, Colton Cowser. While Colton excelled in AA in 2022, batting .341 (1.037 OPS) with 10 2Bs and 10 Hrs in 176 ABs (resulting in an wRC+ of 184, which was tops in MilB, min 140 PA's), MLB Pipeline lagged behind Roto in giving Colton appropriate acclaim. But in 2023 when Colton hit .330 Avg, .996 OPS, 10 HRs, 7 SBs, 203 ABs for a 153wRC+ (#63, players w/ 100+ ABs) it was hard to keep him down anymore. And, literally, as that production in turn earned Colton a promotion to the bigs on 7/5/23. What an exciting lineup Baltimore (and Cincy) have. Early on, we were worried about Colton's power numbers, but he has allayed those fears.
16. (New) Paul Skenes RHP PIT 21.2 ---- 2025 (MLB ? | Roto #8)
The 1 pick in the 2023 MLB draft is legit and as about a no doubter as you can find. From his incredible, high 90s fastball to his wipeout slider, Skenes was striking out nearly 50% of the batters he faced in the toughest conference in college baseball. Expect Skenes to be fastracked to the bigs!
17. (New) Dylan Crews OF WAS 21.5 ----- 2024 (MLB? | Roto #4)
Dylan Crews and Paul Skenes will be forever inextricably linked, from their days at LSU to going 1-2 on draft day. And what better way to kick off their fantasy careers then back to back initial ranks! Dylan should start in A+, anything less is, well, less! Should all go well there, it will be AA to start 2024 and then on to AAA (and, maybe, just maybe, a big league cup of coffee). While a 2024 predicted debut for the best hitter in college baseball (and it wasn't even close) may be pretty ambitious, this guy is that good. Just wait, if you can (though we see him already being picked up in Ottoneu formats).
18. (↑) Noelvi Marte SS CIN 21.9 AAA 2024 (MLB#29/#23/#16 | Roto #37/#43/#12)
After a slow start in 2023, Noelvi turned it on (much liked he did in 2022 when he hit .279 Avg, .829 OPS, 19 HRs, 10 SBs for an wRC+ of 131 -- (good for #164 in MiLB). This year, in AA, Noelvi put together a line of .281/.820 OPS, 8 HRs, 7 Sbs (222 PAs) (116 wRC+), which earned him a promotion to AAA where he's hit an even better .329/.898 OPS over 86 PAs thus far. We're constantly wondering why we and everyone else continue to rank Noelvi so high when his stat lines don't necessarily warrant it. But like with Chourio, Noelvi is young for his level, and if you watch him in games, both the ABs and play are good. So, while we constantly value production over projection, Noelvi is more on the projection side.
19. (↑) Jonny DeLuca OF LAD 25.0 MLB 2023 (MLB NR/LAD#19 | Roto #122/NR)
Another far too low rank from MLB Pipeine. DeLuca stormed into AAA (and passed his teammate Pages) by hitting the daylights out of AA pitching: .279 Avg / .970 OPS, 8 2Bs, 10 HRs, 9 SBs for a wRC+ of 149. Deluca has good speed and strikes out just 17.5% of the time, and hit well enough at AAA (.315 Avg/.923 OPS, 4 HRs, 3 SBs, over 80 PAs) to earn a promotion to the bigs (where he's just amassed 37 ABs thus far but has hit well in those limited appearances- until an injury shut him down).
20. (↑) Estevan Florial OF NYY 25.5 AAA (MLB NR | Roto NR)
With a career 118 wRC+ it would appear to defy our logic to have Florial so high on our list. But, but how about a 130 wRC+ over the past 2 years in AAA for the Yankees' former #1 prospect? That 130 wRC+ betters the line of the following playes during that same period/level: Miguel Vargas (129), Jordan Westburg (129), Alek Thomas (127), Triston Casas (127), Francisco Alvarez (124), Jarred Kelenic (123), Oscar Colas (121), Spencer Steer (120), Jarren Duran (117), to name a few. [min. 200 PAs] With 70 grade speed and 60 raw power, 21 HRs and 18 SBs, we are sky high on the potential of Florial!
21. (↑) Heston Kjerstad OF BALT 24.5 AAA 2023 (MLB #53/#36 | Roto #125/#25)
Serious medical issues prevented Heston from beginning pro ball with his draft mates, but since he was cleared to play, the former Razorback has rolled through 4 classes of the minor, all the way to AAA where he's hit .338/.979 OPS, 5 HRs, in 156 PAs for 142 wRC+ (19th best in AAA, min 150 PAs).
22. (↑) Zack Gelof 3B OAK 23.9 MLB 2023 (MLB#94/NR/OAK #3 | Roto#45/#61/#142/#86)
A favorite of ours from 2021, Zack didn't hit as much for average in 2022 (.270 Avg) but still hit pretty well (.815 OPS, 18 HRs, 13 SBs) with the power numbers being roughly on pace with 2021 (though the speed numbers were down). In 2023, after a slow start (.256 Avg, .805 OPS, 1 HR), Zack turned it on to hit .304 / .929 OPS, 12 HRs and an equally impressive 20 SBs (wRC+ 124) to earn a promotion to the bigs. And, as a 2B eligible player (where he had 67+ starts in 2023), he'll be among the top fantasy options there!
23. (↑) Wikelman Gonzalez SP BOS 21.4 AA 2024 (MLB NR/ BOS #11 | Roto#147)
Although Wikelman carried a poor 5.14 ERA in High A, it was deceptively so as the 3.56 FIP showed us a better picture. And, he managed to strike out an incredible 105 in 63 IP (though walks hurt WHIP). Wilkelman has a very active fastball (and an above average curve and change) and makes our top 25 on a 15.00 K/9 rate, 3rd best in MiLB (min. 50 IP). And, add 2 strong AA starts to the growing resume: 0.75 ERA 12 IP 19 K's.
24. (↑) James Wood OF WAS 20.10 AA 2024 (MLB #91/#34/#17/#8/#4 | Roto #65/#11/#18/#22)
Though injuries (and a trade) blunted his 2022 campaign, James Wood still put together a .313 Avg with 12 HRs and 20 SBs (.956 OPS) across 293 ABs which was good for a 150 wRC+ (35th in MiLB). The 6'7" slugger is athletic, gets on base (career .439 wOBA) and doesn't strike out a ton (career 23.3% K rate). And the 75 K's in 2022 (21.6%) to 50 BBs (14.4%) isn't a bad ratio. SD gave up a lot to get Soto (but obviously it had to, if the Padres wanted Soto). Thus far in 2023, Wood began by hitting well in a level below where he should have been (A+) posting a .293 Avg / .972 OPS / 7.4 Spd rating but a 27.1% K rate over 181 PA, resulting in a 156 wRC+). Those numbers have dropped quite a bit in AA, where James has hit just .223/.771 OPS with 7 HRs, 5 SBs and a much greater 31.3% K rate. --resulting in a pretty average 108 wRC+. But he's just 20 (almost 21) and should figure it out!
25. (↓) Logan O'Hoppe C LAA 23.5 MLB 2022 (MLB #89/#64/#53/#42/#31 | Roto #154/#67/#57)
Logan pretty well destroyed AA, and when the fightin' Phils sent him to LAA in a late season trade, the Angels couldn't resist a September call up. Having hit .283 with 26 HRs (.960 OPS), Logan looks to be middle of the lineup type bat. With a K rate of just 16.6% and an wRC+ of 159 (#10 MiLB in 2022), it's time we recognize how good Logan is. In fact, he's very arguably the best hitting catcher this side of the Pecos.....well, in all of MiLB! And, in Anaheim, Logan didn't let up, batting .283 with an .886 OPS to cement his job as the starting catcher for the Angels (current injury notwithstanding).
26. (↑) Pete Crow-Armstrong OF CHC 21.2 AA 2023 (MLB#28/#23/#15/#7 | Roto#23/#44/#65/#30)
In 2022, Pete C-A hit for high average in A ball (.354), HRs (7) and SBs (13) good for a wRC of 168, and found himself promoted to A+ where he continued to hit (.287 across 265 ABs with 9 HRs and 19 SBs). But, the wRC+ fell outside the top 100 players in High A. The jump to AA in 2023 has been more of the same (.287 Avg /.887 OPS, 13 HRs and 25 SBs, 329 PA's -- good for a 131 wRC+)
27. (↑) Jonathan Aranda 1B/2B TBR 25.2 AAA 2022 (MLB NR | Roto #82/#67/NR)
How about this 2023 line: .342 Avg/1.045 OPS, .249 ISO, .455 wOBA, 17 HRs. Wow. But, its really just "ho hum", another great year from one of minor league baseball's best hitters (who holds a 142 wRC+ since 2018) And despite that minor league success, MLB Pipeline has never liked Aranda (and by like, included him even in TB's top 30). However, that positive MiLB track record hasn't (yet) translated to major league success yet: 2022: 87 PA's, .192 Avg, .264 wOBA / 2023: 15 PAs, .200 Avg, .201 wOBA. But, you have to think that as good a hitter as Aranda is, that he'll figure it out and make the right adjustments.
28. (↓) Matt Mervis 1B CHC 25.3 AAA 2023 (MLB NR/CHC #5 | Roto NR/#31/#38/#57/#103)
After a stellar 2022 (5th in wRAA [41.6] and 15th in wRC+ [156]), it was a suprise to see CHC place Matt back in the minors to start 2023. Undetterred, Matt batted .286 with 6 HRs for a .962 OPS, which, coupled with the Cubs lack of production at 1B and DH, led to a MLB promotion on 5/5 (where Mervis Time struggled to a .167 Avg / .531 OPS with 1 HR over 90 PAs and a whopping 37.2% K rate). But, we're not worried, he'll figure it out in AAA (where his numbers on the year are now: .294/.972 OPS, 10 HRs, , 227 PAs, 141 wRC+). But this gets you a deal on a trade!
29. (↓) Mark Vientos 3B/2B/DH NYM 23.7 MLB 2022 (MLB NR | Roto #141/#207/#226/NR)
All Mark did was hit .280 (.877 OPS) with 24 HRs at AAA in 2022 (which was enough to earn him an MLB cup of coffee in 2022). But while Mark has a propensity to hit long balls, he had an even likelier propensity to strike out, 122 in 378 ABs. After a positive Spring Training in 2023, Mark set out to dominate AAA, and that he did, being one of MiLB's best players (141 wRC+) behind a .307 Avg / 1.000 OPS, 16 HRs and just a 21.6% K rate (264 PAs). Although Mark has now earned a 3rd promotion, he's thus far struggled to hit MLB pitching, but just wait, he will.
30. (↑) Vaun Brown OF SFG 25.1 AA 2023 (MLB NR; SF#6 | Roto NR/#168/#145/#181/#277)
It was a travesty that Vaun wasn't even in MLB's 2022 top 30 San Francisco Giant prospects (until the final ranks from MLB, appearing at #10 then #5 now as SF's #6). And, it was also a travesty that San Fran decided to place Vaun in A ball (instead of A+) to start 2022. Vaun took both in stride by batting .346 slugging 14 HRs and stealing 23 bases (to just 3 CS), which earned him a promotion to A+ Eugene where he got to play with (and outplay) blue chip Giants prospects (Luciano, Matos) That on the field play earned Vaun an end of year promotion to AA. An old draftee (at 23), SF underplaced, undervalued, underVauned Vaun who finished 1st in 2022 in wRAA (47.3), 3rd in MiLB in wRC+ (175), & 5th in wOBA (.464). So what would Vaun do in 2023? Well an injury bug delayed Vaun's campaign, and since returning, he's gone from batting .290/.877 OPS, 7 HRs, 15 SBs, 179 PAs (135 wRC+) overall to a .241 Avg/.773 OPS (105 wRC+) over 174 AA PA's. But a Spd grad of 8.9 won't slump and Vaun will get it together and be back knocking on the Bay door.
31. (↑) Spencer Jones OF NYY 22.2 A+ 2025 (MLB NR/NY#3 | Roto NR/#121/#82/#104/#98)
How about another SPOW representative, but here we go from short to monstrous (in a good way!) Can the 6'7" Jones be Aaron Judge 2.0? The Yankees maybe thought so when they took Spencer with the 25th overall pick in the 2022 draft. Then, in 22 games at Class A, Spencer hit .344 with 3 HRs (in 95 PA's) while showing off really good wheels (10 SBs and a Spd grade of 6.8). However, after starting hot in High A in 2023, Spencer has struggled as of late with his once very good 139 wRC+ falling to 123 on a .275 Avg, .829 OPS, 12 HRs, 22 SBs line in 357 PAs (w/ a high 30.0% K rate). Still, we like what we've seen (including a nice running Future's Game catch in center) and are convinced of Spencer's MLB potential. But, those K's have to come down and Jones is getting a bit old for Class A.
32. (↑) Jonatan Clase OF SEA 21.2 AA 2024 (MLB NR; SEA #11 | Roto #241/#70)
What a year for the dimunitive Mariner's speedster. Starting out at A+ Everett, Jonatan tore the cover off the ball, hitting .333/1.154 OPS with 7 HRs and 17 SBs for a wRC+ of 197 (5th best, 1 pt behind Junior Caminero). Then came the promotion to AA Arkansas and a bit of a wall: .215 Avg/.727 OPS, 9 HRs but an incredible 37 SBs over 290 PA's. We don't know about you, but we love the speed power combo (SPOW). Still, the poor contact numbers (28.3% rate) in AA are worrisome.
33. (↑) Dalton Rushing C LAD 22.5 A+ 2025 (MLB NR/#69/#46 | Roto NR/#176/#83/#99/#104)
Dalton is LADs best catching prospect. Yep. Better than Diego Cartya. Dalton blew class A away, but, had just 128 PA's there. Still, the 8 HRs, .564 wOBA, 224wRC+ and just 16.4% K rate had us impressed and we placed Dalton at #125. So we were looking forward to 2023 and Class A+, where Dalton has continued the power barrage but struggling to hit for top average: .242 Avg, .867 OPS, 17 2B, 9 HR, w/ a good 20.2% BB rate (296 PAs) good for the 25th best overall wRC+ in MiLB (at 151 // min 250PAs). Those lines caught MLB's attention who had him up to #49, now #46. We'll go higher, and into our Top 30! But, Dalton is pushing the age on Class A ball...
34. (NC) Jordan Westburg SS BAL 24.5 MLB 2023 (MLB #94/#74/#52/#30 | Roto #288/#112/#17)
It's rare that a prospect can hit so mediocre at AA (.247 Avg, 9 HRs, 3 SBs, 27.4% K rate) but then annihilate AAA. But that's what Jordan did in 2022, at least at first (.319, .974 OPS, 22.5% K rate) before cooling off to a .273 AAA avg, .869 OPS. Still, 2022 was a decent body of work (wRC+126 #233 overall) with the 27 HRs standing out the most. 2023 has been no let down as Jordan has jumped out to an impressive .295 Avg, .939 OPS, 18 HRs, 6 SBs over 301 PAs. That success has led to a promotion to the bigs where, over 77 PA's, Jordan has hit a decent .254/.735 OPS (102 wRC+)
35. (New) Yanquiel Fernandez OF COL 20.6 AA 2024 (MLB NR/#88 | Roto #42)
If you're looking for the next big slugger (Yordan Alvarez type), Yanquiel Fernandez is your guy. Though just 6'2" (compared to the 6'5" Alvarez), Yanquiel is a threat to go deep in every AB. Advancing three levels in 2023, Yanquiel has hit the ball out 22x in 346 ABs (while holding down a good .289 Avg/.884 OPS). The kid can flat out rake!
36. (↑) Jordan Lawlar SS ARI 21.0 AAA 2024 (MLB#12/#11/#5 | Roto #5/#3/#5)
The 6th overall pick of 2021 had, at times, looked to be the best of the 2021 draft class, as Jordan rocketed through the DBacks minor league system (Rookie ball to A to A+ to AA Amarillo). But, at each stop, the production declined (which of course is understandable). Between A/A+ ball, Jordan hit over .300, over .900 OPS, while swatting 12 HRs and swiping 37 bases (over 74 games) for an wRC+ of 155. In AA, though, the production dropped to a .212 Avg, and .652 OPS and a 28.9% K rate (with just 2 SBs over 20 games) (wRC+ of 65). But a repeat of AA in 2023 would result in positive numbers right? Well, ....
During his first 137 PA's, Jordan hit for just a .168 Avg/.653 OPS despite 5 HRs and 9 SBs resulting in a well below average wRC+ of 76 with a 30.7% K rate. Since then, he's been better, and has improved to: .253 Avg, .752 OPS, 13 HRs, 27 SBs (for a 117 wRC+).
37. (↓) Ricky Tiedemann LHP TOR 20.11 AA 2024 (MLB#64/#32/#26 | Roto #78/#19/#30/#45)
Ricky exploded on our boards after pitching to a 1.80 ERA and striking out an incredible 49 batters over 30 IP in low A which (at that time) was good for a MiLB best 2.37 xFIP (and a 42.5% K rate) with batters hitting just .109 (lowest in MiLB). Not only did the promotion to A+ not slow Tiedemann down, but the 2.39 ERA and 54 K's over 37.2 IP only served to springboard him to AA where he made 4 starts and struck out 14 over 11 IP. While he has an arsenal of offspeed pitches to get outs, Ricky T hit 99mph this Spring. If he can keep his top 25 metrics (i.e. the 2.87 xFIP and 0.86 WHIP), he'll not only tear up AA and AAA but will be majors bound. (Note: a potential arm injury [reportedly a biceps tstrain] sidelined Ricky in May/June)
38. (↑) Andrew Painter RHP PHI 20.3 AAA 2023 (MLB #54/#24/#6/#3/#12 | Roto #134/#16/#28/#50)
Andrew may be a Painter by name but his occupation is electrician because the guy is lights out. Standing 6'7" (6'7" + 1/2 with cleats), that tall frame and downward angle is generating some serious heat with a 100mph FB, 3 plus pitches leading to 155 K's in 103.2 IP in 2022, including 37 K's in 28.1 AA innings (2.54 AA ERA). With an overall ERA of 1.56 (on the year) and a 2.64 xFIP [10th best MiLB], Andrew has fast tracked his arrival. FanGraphs gives Painter a coveted 60 FV (making him one of only 4). But, Andrew hasn't pitched spring training (due to a UCL sprain), which resulted in a TJ surgery recommendation an announcement that Painter would miss the rest of 2023 and likely 2024 too.
39. (New) Wyatt Langford OF TEX 21.8 FCL 2025 (MLB ? | Roto #3)
We were suprised that Wyatt was passed by DET at #3 (as the Tigers chose to go with a HS OF over the MLB ready University of Florida star. Well, that won't deter Wyatt who has already crushed FCL pitching and will soon have a shot at Class A. 8/2 update: Roto is reporting a promotion to High A
40. (New) Chase Dollander RHP COL 21.9 ----- 2025 (MLB? | Roto NR)
We love the fit with Colorado as Chase slots in as the Rockies best pitching prospect (by a lot) and, maybe, their #1 overall prospect. With a high 90s fastaball and wipeout slider (plus a good change and curve), Chase possesses the arsenal to step in as the Rockies SP1 (now!)
41. (↑) Everson Pereira OF NYY 22.1 AAA 2024 (MLB NR/NY#4 | Roto #142/#174/#36/#44/#15)
A short, compact, hard swing should play at every level for the now #4 rated NYY prospect (should be #3 behind Spencer Jones and Florial). And that was the case in 2022 as Everson hit hitting .274, 9 HRs, 19 across 288 ABs at A+ Hudson Valley which earned him a promotion to AA where he hit even better. Still, NYY chose to keep Everson at Somerset to start 2023 and he responded with a .291 Avg / .907 OPS, 10 2Bs, 10 HRs, 7 SBs for an wRC+ of 153 (to help improve on a career 124 wRC+). Promoted to AAA Scranton (on July 4), Everson has hit a promising .323/.938 OPS, 4 HRs over 67 PAs.
42. (↑) Chase Petty RHP CIN 20.3 A+ 2025 (MLB NR/CIN#5 | Roto #388/#307/#353/#266)
Although capable of throwing 100, Chase's best pitch is his slider (which is good, because it's the hardest pitch to hit in baseball). Although Chase pitched to a decent 3.48 ERA in 2022, it wasn't dominant, nor were the 96 K's in 98.1 IP. In 2023, Chase got off to a late start (May 10th) and has just thrown 41.1 innings (good ones though: w/ 44 K's to just 10 BB's, 1.74 ERA, 1.14 WHIP) We'd expect Chase to continue to settle in dominate hitters at A+ (followed by a promotion to AA).
43. (↑) Joey Loperfido 1B/OF HOU 24.2 AA 2024 (MLB NR/HOU#16 | Roto NR/NR/NR/#135)
How can such a big guy (6'3" 220) be so good at stealing bases? We don't know but 32 bags was pretty good in 2022, especially when it comes with a .438 wOBA (in A+) ball and a wRC+ of 166 at that level. So what could Joey do in 2023? How about a .284 Avg, .911 OPS, 17 HRs and 20 SBs over 281 AA ABs? Yeah, that's pretty good (and we didn't eve mention the high 12.8% BB rate and relative low 22.9% k rate) which has equated to a 139 AA wRC+ (though down from 147) putting Joey into the top 50 wRC+ (min. 300 PAs). Might be time for a promotion to AAA.
44. (New) Jacob Hurtubise OF CIN 25.7 AAA (MLB NR | Roto NR)
Hurtawho? You Hurt right. Hurtubise is fast (75 SBs in 233 minor league games and a 8.8 Spd grade), but up to 2023, Jacob was missing the power as part of his game. Well missing no more as 6 HRs in 241 PA's and a .478 SLG percentage will cure. Advancing from AA to AAA this year, Jacob hit .304/.929 OPS across those 2 levels for an astounding 154 wRC+ (good for 29th best in MiLB, min 200 PAs). Put him on your fantasy radar! And, best of all, he's probably available on the wire since he's not even in the MLB Cincy Top 30! (Though Yahoo hasn't added him yet as of 7/24/23)
45. (↓) Carson Williams SS TBR 20.1 AAA 2025 (MLB#81/#72/#59/#23 | Roto#145/#118/#195/#74)
At just 19, Carson batted .252 and hit 19 HRs at Single A Charleston while stealing 28 bases. But, struck out a whopping 168 times (in 452 ABs) (33% K rate). Still, TB promoted Carson to A+ ball to start 2023 and Carson has hit pretty well: .258/.858 OPS (though off a .287 Avg/.934 OPS earlier mark), 15 HRs, 12 SBs, 31.3% K rate for a 132 wRC+ (down from 147 about a month ago). MLB has definitely taken notice though as they have him up to #23. But is it too high? We think so.
46. (↓) Kyle Manzardo 1B CLE 23.0 AAA 2024 (MLB NR/#73/#65/#50/#40 | Roto #100/#7/#13/#27)
MLB Pipeline was a little slow to recognize one of the Rays next superstars (but Roto wasn't). With an advanced plate approach, Kyle dominated High A (.329 Avg, 1.072 OPS, 17 HRs) to earn a promotion to AA where he continued to hit (.323 Avg, .978 OPS, 5 HRs in 99 ABs). But the two most impressive 2022 stats for Kyle were the K to BB rate (65 K's to an almost even 59 BB's) and MiLB's 4th best wRC+ (172). But, Kyle has struggled in AAA in 2023 so far tabling the promotion talk -- .238 Avg, .784 OPS, 19 2Bs, 11 HRs, 313 PAs, 93 wRC+). For now, TB wil be cautious.
47. (↑) Michael Busch 2B LAD 25.8 AAA 2023 (MLB#42/#54/#44/#34 | Roto #64/#162/#180/#260)
The overall 2022 line of a 118 wRC+ (#378 MiLB) didn't really stand out (with a low speed grades and slightly elevated K rate: 26.1%) (nor did a then career 124 wRC+), but in 2023, Michael has put it together: .308 Avg / 1.006 OPS, 15 HRs, 17 2Bs and almost as many walks (48) as K's (59) resulting in 142 wRC+ and a brief couple of cups of coffee with the Dodgers. If Michael keeps hitting AAA pitching, he'll get another chance soon enough.
48. (↑) Brock Porter SP TEX 20.1 A 2026 (MLB#94/#80/#60 | Roto #207/#214/#178/#235)
Texas is stockpiling some top arms and Brock Porter is no exception. MLB Pipeline's highest rated pitcher in the 2022 draft (and Baseball America's #7 overall) somehow fell to the 4th round and was scooped up by TEX who lured him away from Clemson. Brock has been clocked as high at 98 on his FB and pairs that with a good curve and a great changeup and the early results in Low A have been great: 53.0 IP, 68 K's, 2.55 ERA, 1.21 WHIP.
49. (↑) Blade Tidwell LHP NYM 22.1 A+ 2025 (MLB NR/NY #5 | Roto NR/NR/#339/#149)
The hard throwing righty (who boasts a plus FB and slider) has a chance to be the next homegrown Mets ace, turning around what was an awful start in Class A+ (6.56 ERA, 23.1 IP, 35 K's, 18 BB's/20 Hits, 1.63 WHIP) into a positive line: 3.09 ERA, 81.2 IP, 112 K's, 46 BB's/55 Hits, 1.24 WHIP).
50. (New) Kyle Hurt SP LAD 25.2 AAA 2024 (MLB NR/LAD#26 | Roto #144)
The MLB leader in K/9 is this guy, Kyle Hurt. How does he do it? He pounds the strike zone with an avove average Fastball paired with an above average changeup. We've watched Kyle on a number of occasions this year and come away impressed each time. He's a big guy (6'3", 240) who commands the mound and says I'm coming after you! And, though May 25th, Kyle sported an incredible 1.33 ERA, but since then, there have been some hiccups as the ERA has risen to 3.96 as Kyle has given up runs in each of his last 10 starts (none of which has lasted more than 5 IP). But he continues to mow down batters at a historic rate, now up to 105 in 61.1 IP. Although we'd love to see Kyle as a starter, a MLB debut may come as a reliever.
51. (↓) Marcelo Mayer SS BOS 20.7 AA 2024 (MLB#7/#9/#3 | Roto #24/#33/#42/#55)
The consensus #1 rookie prospect for 2022 dynasty drafts had good start to A ball, hitting .291, 7 HRs and 12 SBs over 189 ABs. Although Meyer had just 1 HR over his first 84 ABs, he picked up a little pop as the year went on and ended with 13 in 350 ABs (17 SBs) with a wRC+ of 143 (good for #70 in MiLB). In 2023, the Sox had Marcelo repeating A+ ball, where he has had no problem (.290 Avg/.890 OPS, 7 HRs, 5 SBs -- good for a wRC+ of 139) Then came the promotion to AA, which has not gone to plan (.205 Avg/.655 OPS, 6 HRs, 4 SBs, 20.9% K rate over 167 PAs for an wRC+ of 76))
52. (↑) Ceddanne Rafaela OF/SS BOS 22.10 AAA 2023 (MLB#86/#79 | Roto #149/#102/#148/#93)
Ceddanne is another guy that hit (and stole) his way into the rankings in 2022: .299 Avg, .880 OPS, 21 HRs, 86 RBIs, 28 SBs (wRC+134 tied with Triston Casas at #133). The 5'8" 150lb Ceddanne displayed surprising power in 2022 to pair with great speed but whose numbers dipped a bit from A+ to AA (.278 Avg, .824 OPS). Although Ceddane started cold in 2023 (.261 Avg/.651 OPS, 1 HR, 20 SBs in 143 PAs, for a very poor 81 wRC+), he hit his stride to finish his AA campaign at .294/.774 OPS, 6 HRs, 30 SBs, 266 PA's for a 108 wRC+ and earn a promotion to AAA where he's hit for more power in 93 ABs, .312 Avg / .978 OPS, 6 HRs, 2 SBs for a .411 wOBA/137 wRC+.
53. (↓) Nick Frasso RHP LAD 24.9 AA 2023 (MLB NR; LAD#8 | Roto NR/#181/#267/#224)
Coming over in a trade from TOR last year for Mitch White (read: stolen -- 76 K's in 54 IP in 2022with a 0.93 WHIP and 2.89xFIP), MLB had Nick penned as LADs 18th best prospect (we had him as our #117 overall). Then came 2023 and Nick Frasso had been LAD's best minor league pitcher for the first half of the season -- though he fell on hard times over the past month+ with his sparkling 1.01 ERA (26.2 IP) ballooning to 4.01 (42.2 IP) but still with 58 K's. Frasso is not highly regarded by Fangraphs (40+ FV), but he should be. Frasso has used a good FB (that can reach 98, but mostly operates around 95-97) to set up a good change and decent slider. Together, the arsenal has been unhittable at times in AA batters.
54. (↓) Ben Brown RHP CHC 23.10 AAA 2023 (MLB NR /#70 | Roto #191/#232)
8 weeks ago, the tall, lanky Ben Brown was barely on MLB Pipeline's radar (sitting about halfway down the Cubs top 30), before MLB Pipeline moved Ben up to #3 among Cubs prospects and #70 overall. After a breakout year in 2022 (104 IP, 149 K's, 3.38 ERA, between A+ and AA), Ben followed that up with an astounding start to 2023, buzzing through AA (20 IP, 30 K's, 0.45 ERA, 0.95 WHIP), which led to a promotion to AAA where has struggled (5.10 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, but a very good 86 K's in 60 IP [13.05 K/9]). Ben's FB can reach 98 but is more in the 94-96 range), which he pairs with a + slider and + curve, to earn a Fangraphs 50 FV. We've watched about a half dozen of Ben's starts in AAA and, despite the recent struggles, are convinced that the Cubs have a future frontline starter here. If you can be patient, you will too!
55. (↑) Sal Frelick OF MIL 23.3 AAA 2024 (MLB#46/#30/#24/#17 | Roto#116/#68/#39/#31/#41)
We watched Sal a lot in 2022 because we watched Nashville a lot. There Frelick hit .365 (.943 OPS) with 4 HRs and 9 SBs (good for the 16th best wRC+ in AAA at 155). Overall, across three levels in 2022, Frelick compiled a 137 wRC+ (good for 107th best in MiLB [the 155 wRC+ in AAA placed him 1st among under age 28 prospects with 200+ ABs]). Then came a starring role in the WBC and Sal's star status was rising. However, the return to AAA was not as kind as Frelick got off to a poor start: .232 Avg, .628 OPS (56 ABs) After returning from what many believed was a season ending injury , things didn't improve at first .231/.623 OPS, 1 HR, 6 SBs over 130 ABs, until Sal found a groove of late to improve that slash line to .251/.697 OPS, 2 HRs, 8 SBs (but just a 79 wRC+). Sal has a good hit set, doesn't strike out much (11.2%) but lacks big power. He should be a threat to hit .300 in the bigs and steal 20 bases. But, he's going to need to put 2023 behind. Update: In a suprising move, MIL promoted Sal on July 22nd and of course he goes 5/9 (.556 Avg/1.472 OPS). Smh.
56. (↑) Masyn Winn SS STL 21.4 AAA 2023 (MLB #90/#51/#50/#43 | Roto #75/#70/#11)
Masyn is a pitcher/SS who focused on playing the field in 2021 and that decision paid dividends in 2022. Although the promotion to AA came with a major dip in production (down to a wRC+ of 117 (#398) after posting as high as 167 wRC+ in A+ (21st best in MiLB at the time). Masyn's 8.8 spd rating is legit (43 SBs, 8 3Bs)! And, those of you that watched the 2022 futures game saw Masyn throw a 99 mph heater from short to 1st! As one of the youngest players in AAA in 2023, Masyn struggled at first, but but has hit real well as of late (.374 Avg /1.139 OPS, 6 HRs, 101 PAs), increasing a previous underwhelming 86 wRC+ to a more reasonable 102 (with a .285 Avg/.814 and just 16% K Rate). Masyn is uber talented on defense and will certainly contribute on offense (especially steals). But, a career 104 wRC isn't awe inspiring. Look for Masyn to get a shot at short this year in STL.
57. (↑) Joe Boyle SP OAK 23.11 AA 2024 (MLB NR/CIN#28 | Roto NR)
We really like the 6'7" Joe Boyle and his 3.46 career ERA over 189.2 IP and 297 K's. Although 2023 hasn't been as kind (4.67 ERA/ 4.54 FIP/1.67 WHIP), the light at the end of the tunnel is the 13.37 K/9 rate, placing Boyle in the top 15 in MiLB (not to mention top level gas). Update: JB was traded from CIN to OAK at the deadline on 8/1. There's "reliever" talk here, but this guy can be a frontline starter!
60. (↓) Andy Pages OF LAD 22.7 AAA 2024 (MLB#48/#66/#53 | Roto#118/#221/#195/#234/#252)
2022 AA wasn't as kind to Pages (pronounced "Pahays"), as shown by the .236 Avg (.265 in A+ in 2021) but he still hit 26 HRs in 487 ABs (31 in 438 ABs in 2021). The 2022 overall wRC+ of 102 (#787) revealed an even worse campaign (comparatively). Andy has a great arm and very good pop but with slower than average speed and a 24.5% K rate. So with a career 136 wRC+, Andy looked to put 2022 behind and get his groove back in 2023. Repeating AA this year, Andy did just that with a 144 wRC+ line: .284 Avg / .925 OPS and 25 BBs in 145 PA's to go with fewer K's (22.5% K rate) and a .211 ISO (despite just 3 HRs). That, in turn, was also good enough for LAD to promote Andy to AAA before an injury shut Andy down for the rest of the year. We're hot and cold on Andy (as Andy has been hot and cold), but hopefully you held as we think Andy's stock trends up.
58. (↑) AJ Smith-Shawver RHP ATL 20.7 AAA 2023 (MLB NR/#62 | Roto #171/#39)
Back in May, we said AJ Smith-Shawver should be Atlanta's number one prospect (when he wasn't in MLB's top 100 and sat at just #4 in ATL's Top 30. Well that's all changed now, as MLB Pipeline has AJ S-S up to #65 -- a rank he's earned in 2023 rocketing up from A+ to AA to AAA to the bigs. Although AJ S-S has struggled as of late in AAA (with his ERA bloating as high as 5.87, but now 4.44), AJ S-S pitched to an impressive 4.32 ERA (15 K's in 16.2 IP) in his 4 games/3 starts with ATL. Utilizing an above average FB that can hit 97 (but sits at 94), AJ sets up a plus slider and change and maintains his velo deep into the game. Now, he'll get another chance (7/30).
59. (↓) Endy Rodriguez C/OF PIT 23.2 MLB 2023 (MLB#97/#45/#35 | Roto #172/#57/#45/#83)
Endy slugged his way through two levels in 2022 (A+/AA) earning a promotion to AAA to finish the year (where his audition was spectacular: .455 Avg, 1.208 OPS).
With an overall wRC+ of 166 (including a league leading 199 at AA),
Endy had arguably the 7th best MiLB season in 2022 (all players,
all factors considered). With good speed for a catcher and a K rate
under 20% (at 19.0%), Endy has all the tools you're looking for in a
"dual threat" Daulton Varsho style catcher. But, despite the Spring
push to promote Endy, 2023 began pretty poorly as Endy limped
out to a line of .254 Avg/.726 OPS, 5 HRs, 4 SBs before getting hot and improving to .268 / .771 OPS over 315 PAs for a 93 wRC+ (still, obviously not very good). But, Pittsburg had its reasons for promoting Endy (including doing no worse than what they had behind the plate i.e. Austin Hedges), plus, the Pirates are set on having Henry D play right (and not catch).
60. (↑) Adael Amador SS COL 20.3 A+ 2025 (MLB#61/#68/#22 | Roto #146/#128/#91)
Despite a very thin frame (6'0" 160lbs), Adael hit like Joey Gallo in A ball in 2022, posting a .292 Avg, .860 OPS, 26 SBs and a surprising 15 round trippers. Adael also has a great command of the plate (incredible for a 19 year old) as he drew 87 walks to just 67 K's. Although the 128 wRC+ didn't place Adael very high (#213 MiLB) the .402 wOBA was a strong indicator. Well, that success led to a promotion to A+ in 2023, where Adael has soared to a .302 Avg / .905 OPS, 9 HRs, 12 SBs acros 259 PAs (good for a 141 wRC+ and one of the biggest movers in MLB Pipeline's most recent Top 100).
61. (↑) Luken Baker 1B STL 26.4 2023 (MLB NR/STL #28 | Roto NR )
After a disastrous 2022 (.228 / .682 OPS, .301 wOBA, 78 wRC+) Luken has been as good in 2023 as he was bad last year (.330 Avg, 1.116 OPS, .467 wOBA, 169 wRC+). The 6'4", 280 lb Luken has always had above average power, but the 25 HRs in 327 AAA PA's this year (.348 ISO with just a 20.5% K rate) have been impressive, securing Luken a spot in our top 100.
62. (↑) Justyn-Henry Malloy OF/3B DET 23.5 AAA 2023 (MLB NR/DET #7 | Roto #168/#122)
Justyn got off to a blazing start in AAA this year, and though he's cooled as of late, he got on everyone's radar with a .284 Avg, .884 OPS and 13 2Bs, 16 HRs (125 wRC+) over 400 PAs. With a career 130 wRC+ and .393 wOBA, this year was no fluke. Justyn gets on base and hits for power and may have a chance for a call-up this summer.
63. (↑) Brooks Lee SS/3B MN 22.3 AA 2024 (MLB #32/#31/#25/#18 | Roto #59/#73/#80/#52)
From a pure hitting standpoint, the one guy that most reminds us of Curtis Mead is Brooks Lee. After being selected #8 in the 2022 draft, the super advanced hitting Brooks skipped low A and had no problem with A+ in 2022 (.289 Avg, .849 OPS, 4 HRs, 97 ABs) before a quick promotion to AA where he started again in 2023. But, this year, Brooks struggled out to a .272 Avg, .800 OPS and just 7 HRs in 329 PAs (110 wRC+); until recently, that was, as over the last 95 PA's, Brooks has hit .373/ 1.117 OPS, 6 HRs to raise his wRC+ to 123.
64. (↑) Colson Montgomery SS CHW 21.5 A+ 2025 (MLB#57/#38/#29/#20 | Roto #71/#44/#68/#38)
We liked Colson coming out of the 2021 draft. But year 1 in ROK ball was pretty uneventful (.287 Avg, .758 OPS, 94 ABs, 0 HRs, 0 SBs). Colson turned it up a bit in year in low A where he hit .324 (.900 OPS) with 4 HRs over 170 ABs. That production led to a promotion to A+ that Colson managed with a .258 Avg, .804 OPS and 5 HRs over 132 ABS. That line though, was not deserving of a promotion to AA, but CHW did it anyway, only to see Colson hit .146 over 48 ABs (with 15 K's to 2 BB's). Overall on the year, Colson's wRC+ came in at 125 (good for #252 among MiLBers). Although Colson got a late start to 2023, he's been on fire since: .348 Avg / 1.093 OPS, 3 HRs, 24.4% BB rate, .217 ISO (82 PAs) and will be back in AA soon.
65. (New) Carlos Jorge 2B CIN 19.10 A 2026 (MLB NR/CIN#11 | Roto #58)
Fangraphs grades Jorge with 55 speed (despite a 9.4 speed grade, 29 SBs this year and 54 the two years prior). Hmm. At just 5'10" 160, Carlos will surprise you with little pop too (9 HRs/.192 ISO). We like the SPOW guys and Carlos is one of them (not to mention the 10th best wOBA among players over the past 5 years, min 400 PAs). So far, it's us and Rotowire that are this sky high on Carlos Jorge.
66. (New) Hayden Birdsong RHP SF 21.11 A+ 2025 (MLB NR/SF#26 | Roto #246)
It's hard to ignore what the 6'4" 6th rounder has done on the year (2.75 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 107 K's in 68.2 IP) with a K rate that places him 5th among MiLB hurlers with at least 60 IP. Pretty impressive. Hayden should already be in AA by now but SF is becoming notoriously slow on Class A promotions.
67. (New) Michael Arias RHP CHC 21.8 A+ 2025 (MLB NR | Roto #182)
Not far behind Birdsong, the 13th best K rate through 9 (13.26) belongs to this baby Cub. But don't call Arias cute, since that 100 mph FB will come right at you, as batters in Class A have discovered. Though 15 starts (A-/A+) Michael has compiled a strong 2.84 ERA, with 84 K's in 57.0 IP.
68. (↓) Curtis Mead 2B/3B TBR 22.7 AAA 2023 (MLB #35/#27/#32 | Roto #32/#23/#14/#8/#10)
The one constant for Mead was that he always hit, no matter where -- Australia, the US, A, AA, AAA...And in 2022, that meant a .298 Avg, .922 OPS and a 142 wRC+ (#75 MiLB). But then came the first part of 2023: .261 Avg, .777 OPS, 3 HRs, 111 AAA ABs. Now that said, Curtis was a train wreck in April, but took May and most of June off before rejoining Durham. And, since then, he's been hitting the cover off: batting .375 (9th best in MiLB min, 80 ABs) with a 1.029 OPS bringing what was a .221 Avg up to .287 / .811 OPS. But the power hasn't been there this year (.170 ISO) and it seems that Mead has taken a step back (despite the recent hot streak).
69. (↓) Cole Young SS SEA 20.0 A 2025 (MLB NR/#70/#56 | Roto #161/#136/#159/#49)
There's a lot to like in the 20 year old SEA 1st rounder (and Noelvi Marte replacement). Cole had no problem in Low A Modesto (in 2022) but the 2023 repeat didn't go as well (.267 Avg / .825 OPS but 54 BB's to 52 K's with 17 SBs). Still, we predicted a promotion to A+ and not long after (hours not days), Cole was promoted to Everett where he's gotten off to a great start: .333/1.088 OPS, 3 HRs, 3 SBs. How about a deep stat here? Cole has the best wRC+ (134) among batters w/ at least 400 PAs
70. (New) Blake Dunn OF CIN 24.10 AA 2024 (MLB NR/CIN #30 | Roto NR)
Blake Dunn has been good, real good. And its not just his having yet another great year, but the culmination of two great years from the former 15th rounder. In 2022, across 127 Low A PAs, Blake hit .290 / .963 OPS with 4 HRs and 18 SBs, good for a 179 wRC+. in 2023, to follow that up, the bearded wonder dominated High A to the tune of .276 / .871 OPS, 8 HRs, 19 SBs (202 PAs) for a 151 wRC+. Not too bad, but Blake was a little old for A+ ball, so CIN promoted him to AA Chatanooga where, guess what? he also mashed: .381 Avg/ 1.020 OPS, 6 HRs, 23 Steals (201 PAs). Maybe "mash" isn't the right way to describe it and maybe its more like "wow, SPOW" as the 157 career wRC+, 8.2 Spd grade and .181 ISO have us excited about Blake in Lookout lineup (and hopefully soon in Louisville). And yes, we'll be the first to have Blake in any top 100!
71. (↑) Dillon Dingler C DET 24.10 AA 2024 (MLB NR/DET #14 | Roto NR)
Detroit's future backstop can really Ding it a long way: 14 in 2022 and now 12 so far in 2023 (in just 233 PA's). the K rate is a tad high at 27.0% but when you have a .245 ISO and 150 wRC+, no one is going to worry!
72. (New) Chase Hampton RHP NYY 21.11 AA 2025 (MLB NR/NYY#19 | Roto #79)
Chase dominated High A (2.68 ERA, 47 IP, 77 K's, 1.00 WHIP) to earn a promotion to AA where he's continued to strike out batters but has given up more hits and home runs per 9, pitching to a 4.54 ERA, 39.2 IP, 48 K's, 1.24 ERA.
73. (New) Richard Fitts RHP NYY 23.8 AA 2023 (MLB NR/NYY #8 | Roto #245)
Chase's teammate at Somerset has gotten better results (3.80 ERA, 106.2 IP, 118 K's) utilizing a plus FB and slider combination (with a change mixed in).
74. (New) Nolan Schanuel 1B/OF LAA 21.5 AA 2024 (MLB ? | Roto #125)
You have to love what LAA is doing with its prospects (treating them like professional baseball players and not holding them back: Silseth, Bachman, Neto, Cabbage, and now Nolan Schanuel who the Angels cycled through the ACL, Low A and into AA. Yeah, its been just 22 ABs, but those ABs have also resulted in 10 hits, 7 BBs and just 4 K's. At this pace, the 6'4" Nolan could be the first 2023 draftee to debut in the bigs (a big debut by a big guy -- a double big debut?)!
75. (New) Jared Jones SP PIT 21.11 AAA 2023 (MLB NR/PIT #10 | Roto #64)
After breezing through AA (2.23 ERA/1.08 WHIP, 44.1 IP, 47 K's), Jared has stumbled a bit in AAA (5.08 ERA, 28.1 IP, 34 K's, 1.27 WHIP), but a pretty good start on July 7th (4.0 IP, 7 K's 1 ER). With 4 average or better pitches, including a FB that can hit 100 (or 99.9 as it did July 28th) and that sits 94-98, Jared has the starter repertoire that should suit him well in Pittsburg. But, everyone, including us, would like to see a few games with donuts in the ER column as Jared has given up runs in 9 straight games while averaging 5 IP across those 9 starts.
76. (↑) Brant Hurter LHP DET 24.10 AA 2023 (MLB NR/DET #20 | Roto NR)
Although his fastball isn't going to break any radar guns, Brant does a great job of mixing pitches (slider/change), staying around the plate and getting batters out (without many walks): 3.83 ERA, 82.1 IP, 97 K's, 22 BBs, 1.20 WHIP. Look for a promotion to AAA and then maybe, just maybe, a shot in DET this year.
77. (New) Jacob Burke OF CHW 22.5 A+ 2025 (MLB NR/CHW#28 | Roto #335)
Prepare to be amazed....An 11th round pick out of Miami, Jacob Burke has impressed us with his speed and power mix, not to mention his flat out, 100% to the max play, reminding us a bit of Joey Wiemer (albeit a shorter version at 6'1"). Across 253 A/A+ PAs thus far, Jacob has hit .326/.906 OPS with 4 HRs and 17 SBs and a 7.3 speed grade.
78. (↓) Nathan Hickey C BOS 23.8 AA 2024 (MLB NR/BOS#15 | Roto NR/#307)
Hickey continues to put up solid numbers. In 2022 across A/A+ ball, it was a: .263 Avg, .937 OPS, 16 HRs, 62 RBIs (255 ABs, 63 BBs, 78 K's) for a surprisingly good wRC+ (155), 19th best in MiLB. And in 2023 it was more of the same. After starting in A+ ball, Nathan advanced to AA, putting up similar numbers for an overall line of .289/.920 OPS, with 15, 2Bs, 15 HRs for a 147 wRC+. When looking at wRC+, there's often one or two underlying categories that stand out, and for Hickey, in 2022 it was a 19.2% walk rate that drove a wOBA of .424. But in 2023, with "just" a 11.3% walk rate, it's been a .548 SLG% (46th best in MiLB, min 250 PAs) and a .259 ISO (44th best) to anchor a .406 wOBA.
79. (↑) Termarr Johnson 2B PIT 18.5 A 2025 (MLB#29/#22 | Roto #34/#21/#36)
The 4th overall pick in the 2022 draft, Termarr wowed scouts with his patience at the plate, great hit tool and surprising power (from a 5'7", though now reported as 5'9" frame). At 18, he held his own in low A, batting .275 with 1 HR and 4 SBs over 40 ABs, but the repeat year hasn't gone as well (.254 Avg/ .736 OPS, 1 HRs, 1 SBs and a dismal 32 K's in just 71 ABs (35.5% K rate)
80. (↓) Tyler Soderstrom C/1B OAK 21.8 MLB 2023 (MLB#47/#39/#33 | Roto #44/#51/#57/#82)
A horrendous start to 2022 had the Tyler fanclub paddling to shore, but the ship righted itself as Tyler navigated through A+, AA and into AAA. On the year, Tyler hit .267 (.825 OPS) with 29 HRs and 105 RBIs but a relatively disappointing 26.1% K rate and perhaps an even more disappointing wRC+ of 116 (#418 MiLB). In 2023 in AAA, despite a hitter friendly park, Tyler posted below average numbers: 87 wRC+, .348 wOBA, .254 Avg, .838 OPS, 20 HRs, 84 K's in 304 PA's (27.6% K rate) (304 PAs). But what does a really bad Oakland team have to lose? So welcome to the Bay Tyler S.
81. (↓) Harry Ford C SEA 20.5 A+ 2025 (MLB #85/#65/#39/#25 | Roto #107/#56/#79/#89)
Ford is a highly touted athletic prospect that is Daulton Varsho 2.0 (the C/OF). In 2022, Ford struggled at the start of low A ball in Modesto (.248 Avg, .784 OPS) before turning a corner and finishing with a .274 Avg, .863 OPS, 11 HRs and 23 SBs. Ford began 2023 hot in A+ Everett (where he got out to a decent .258/.840 OPS, 4 HRs/6 SBs with a 20.5% BB rate carrying him to a 134 wRC+) . But things have cooled a bit to a line of: .245 Avg/.797 OPS, 10 HRs, 16 SBs (124 wRC+). Although he's not exactly hitting his way to AA Arkansas, he'll make it there soon enough.
82. (↑) Jackson Merrill SS SDP 20.3 AA 2025 (MLB#83/#16/#9 | Roto #140/#88/#20/#19)
2021 1st Rounder Jackson Merrill had a very good 2022, hitting .339 (.906 OPS) with 6 HRs and 11 SBs good for a wRC+ of 135 (#122 overall, tied with the likes of Jackson Chourio and just behind Francisco Alvarez). But 2023 began with some adversity: .223 Avg, .655 OPS in 103 PA's (84 wRC+). Merrill improved as the campaign went on, enough for SD to promote him to AA San Antonio where he's hit .295/.756, 1 HR, 2 SBs for a 94 wRC. Jackson is just 20 and MLB Pipeline is betting he improves on his career 115 wRC+.
83. (↑) Joey Ortiz SS BALT 25.0 AAA 2023 (MLB NR/#99/#61 | Roto NR/#123/#104/#81/#229)
Joey flew under the radar in 2022 despite the promotion to AAA where he hit .346, .967 OPS, 4 HRs, 6 SBs for a AAA wRC+ of 154 (115 PA's). In 2023, Joey continued to hit AAA pitching: .320 Avg, .895 OPS, 8 2Bs, 3 HRs, 1 SB for a wRC+ of 121 - which earned a 33 AB cup of coffee in the bigs (which didn't go as planned: .212 Avg, .448 OPS). Back at Norfolk, Joey has settled into a line of: .333 Avg, .942 OPS, 17 2Bs, 3 3Bs 5 HRs 7 SBs (131 wRC+). While we think Ortiz is going to be an average to just above average major league player (he's going to be an above average hitting 2B!).
84. (↓) Lazaro Montes OF SEA 18.8 ACL 2025 (MLB NR, SEA #10 | Roto #199/#93/#107/#121/#81)
The 6'5" Lazaro Montes was literally Seattle's biggest international
signing in 2021 (and big also meant standing taller than another
pretty big guy: Nelson Cruz). So with all the hype, what was Lazaro
going to do in his first taste of pro ball in the DSL? How about 10 HRs
in 176 ABs, an OPS of 1.007 and a wRC+ of 162 (good for 8th in MiLB
in 2022). That type of firepower put Lazaro on everyone's radar. But,
a less than ideal K rate was cause for concern. And, the promotion to
the ACL hasn't necessarily gone all according to plan (.255 Avg/28.6%
K rate) but you have to like the .926 OPS and 133 wRC (over a too small a sample size of 126 PAs).
85. (↓) Kyle Harrison LHP SFG 21.11 AAA 2023 (MLB#21/#18/#11 | Roto #48/#22/#28/#38/#80)
Kyle does a good job mixing pitches/location which all resulted in dominant starts at A+ in 2022 before a promotion to AA Richmond where Kyle settled into a nice 3.11 ERA with 127 K's over 84.0 IP. In 2023, Kyle has struggled in the hitter friendly confines of the PCL w/ an ERA of 4.79 in 56.1 IP while striking out 92 batters, 9 HRs. While we would say "don't worry too much here, as Fangraphs has a 55 FV and the ball flies out of the PCL", BUT, Kyle's last start on July 4th had his fastball sitting 91.5-95.3. That's not poppin; in fact, its below major league average. And, Kyle has averaged just 3.6 IP per start over the last 10 starts. That's not a starter workload, definitely not for this year. So are we worried? Yes, we are worried (and, to boot, Kyle hasn't pitched since 7/4). Update: Kyle appeared in an ACL/Rookie league game on 7/31, pitching 2 innings, giving up 0 runs and fanning 4 batters.
86. (New) Victor Scott II OF STL 22.5 AA 2024 (MLB NR/ STL #20 | Roto #114)
What an exciting player Victor Scott II is, which he showcased in the Futures Game (stealing 2B then 3B). With 67 steals on the year and a .333 Avg/.820 OPS in AA Victor has stormed (or stolen) into our top 100.
87. (↓) Emmanuel Rodriguez OF MN 20.5 A+ 2024 (MLB#88/#76/#58 | Roto NR/#62/#53/#39/#75)
In 2022, the player with the #2 wRC+ (at 196) [min 150ABs] was this, seemingly out-of-nowhere budding star (albeit before injury, and just 199PAs). So how did Emmanuel get there? The #1 reason was the willingness to take a walk (28.6%) and then walk more than striking out (26.1%). But it wasn't all bases on balls as Emmanuel also boasted a balanced line of .272 Avg, 1.044 OPS (good for #4 MiLB if he had 1 more PA), 9 HRs, 11 SBs. But alas, a knee injury had Emmanuel out for the remainder of the year. Still, he made his mark on us (and then MLB Pipeline followed us, naming E-Rod their Twins #3 prospect and #92 overall). Emmanuel's Spring Training 2023 got off to a positive start, but the campaign at A+ ball hasn't: .197 Avg, .797 OPS and a very, very alarming 30.8% K rate (all of which have actually improved over the start of the year). Emmanuel was trying to hit everything out of the park, and, after that has failed, needs to retool his approach.
88. (↑) Drew Gilbert OF NYM 22.10 AA 2024 (MLB #95/#69 | Roto #82/#56)
After only 40 PA's in 2022 (great at CPX ball, not so much in low A), HOU started Drew out in A+ in 2023 where he tore the cover off (.360 Avg / 1.107 OPS, 6 HRs, 4 SBs), earning a promotion to AA where over 209 ABs, Drew has hit just .234/ .692 OPS, 9 2Bs, 5 HRs, 6 SBs for a AA wRC+ of just 88 (though better of late). With an average to slightly above Spd grade (5.5) and a similar mid-level ISO (.176 ISO), it may be hard to merit ranking Gilbert in the top 100 right now.
89. (New) Jud Fabian OF BALT 22.10 AA 2024 (MLB NR/ BALT #15 | Roto #262)
Baltimore's farm is so stacked that MLB Pipeline has Jud (unfairly so) all the way down at #15. Jud was a stud in college (at the University of Florida, hitting 44 HRs in his final two years. After being selected in 2nd round in 2021 and then returning to college (where he mashed), Jud was again drafted, this time in the CB round (in 2022). And after, Jud went on to hit .386/1.322, 7 2Bs, 3 HRs in 44 ABs in Low A. But, after being promoted to A+, he really struggled. But in 2023, he made the necessary adjustments to hit .281/.882 OPS, 13 2Bs, 9 HRs in a repeat of A+. But like last year, another promotion has stumped him (AA: .183 Avg/.722 OPS, 109 ABs). Look for Jud to make the adjustments in the 2nd half and be back on track!
90. (↑) Brady House 3B/SS WAS 20.1 A+ 2025 (MLB#52/NR/#93/#67 | Roto#19/#77/#86/#106/#33)
Neither us nor MLB Pipeline nor Roto know what to do with Brady (as Pipeline has gone from #52 to NR to #93 back to #67 in 18 months). For us, its been outside the top 175 to inside the top 100. So how did we get here? After being taken 11th overall, the 6'4" Brady wowed scouts with his expected plus power and all-around athleticism. But, in 2022, the baseball world over-projected and Brady hit just .278/.731 OPS, .097 ISO, w/ 3 HRs and 8 2Bs in 176 ABs (108 wRC+, good for #590 MiLB). That was not what the fantasy/baseball world expected especially considering he was going top 10 in dynasty rookie drafts 2 years ago. To begin 2023, WAS made the right decision in having Brady remain in Low A where improved to: .297 Avg / .869 OPS, 6 HRs, 5 SBs with a 10.1% BB rate & the K rate down to 21.5% for a 146 wRC+ (158 PAs). That earned Brady a promotion to A+ where he's hit even better (but just 60 PAs). Brady has also improved on the speed grade (up to 5.9 from 3.1). With a Futures Game appearance in hand, Brady is poised to finish strong and try and make AA!
91. (New) Lyon Richardson RHP CIN 23.6 AAA 2023 (MLB NR/CIN #25 | Roto NR)
What is up with CIN and developing pitching???? Joining Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Graham Ascraft, Connor Phillips, Chase Petty, Joe Boyle is this hard throwing (95-98) right hander, Lyon Richardson. Pitching across three levels in 2023, Lyon has been dominant, compiling a 1.86 ERA and 81 K's in 58.0 IP (with just a 1.10 WHIP and only 41 hits against). And did we mention that Lyon has the 6th best FIP (2.62) in all of MiLB (min 50 IP)? [which happens to be best among pitchers making it to AAA]
92. (↑) Kevin Alcantara OF CHC 21.0 A+ 2025 (MLB#86/#75/#96 | Roto #68/#125/#169/#109)
With as long as Kevin has been around (debuting in the DSL in 2019), you'd think he'd be 25, not 21. A 2021 trade from NYY to CHC might have slowed Kevin's promotion to A ball, but it didn't have any effect on his bat. And when given the chance in 2022 (at A Myrtle Beach), Kevin hit .273 (.811 OPS) with 15 HRs and 14 SBs but struck out far too often (123 in 428 ABs). The promotion to A+ in 2023 started slow (.225 Avg, .624 OPS, 3 HRs, 10 SBs in 138 ABs, 72 wRC+) but he's really picked things up: .276 Avg / .780, 9 HRs, 13 SBs, 118 wRC+. There's a lot of talent in this 6'6" frame and as Kevin grows into his body, expect the round trippers to increase exponentially.
93. (↑) Termarr Johnson 2B PIT 19.1 A 2025 (MLB#29/#22/#26 | Roto #34/#21/#36)
The 4th overall pick in the 2022 draft, Termarr wowed scouts with his patience at the plate, great hit tool and surprising power (from a 5'7" frame). At 18, he held his own in low A, batting .275 with 1 HR and 4 SBs over 40 ABs, but the repeat year didn't start well (.254 Avg/ .736 OPS, 1 HRs, 1 SBs and a dismal 32 K's in just 71 ABs (35.5% K rate). But, Termarr found a power stroke to raise his OPS to .867, 10 2Bs, 13 HRs to go with 7 SBs while bringing the K rate down to 27.1%. And Termarr has been more patient at the plate (21.5% BB rate) which helps stoke his .415 wOBA and 143 wRC+.
94. (New) Ivan Herrera C STL 23.2 AAA (MLB NR | Roto NR)
After being a hot prospect that could never produce as much as he projected, Herrera has hit his weight this year in AAA: .301/.977 OPS, 8 HRs, 9 SBs, 146 wRC+. But, it would appear STL has a logjam at catcher now.
95. (↑) Nick Yorke 2B BOS 21.3 AA 2023 (MLB #51/#65/NR/#82 | Roto #15/#48/#108/#100)
Nick started 2022 strong in A+, but hit block and stumbled to the end with a line of .231 Avg, .668 OPS, 11 HRs, 8 SBs over 337 ABs overall)...MLB had been so high on Nick (as high as #51). The good news was he was just 20 at the time. And, despite the poor production at High A in 2022, BOS felt Nick was ready for AA in 2023 and man was he ever: .269 Avg / .873 with 6 HRs, 5 SBs for an wRC+ of 140 (helped by a 16.5% walk rate). And guess what? He's back in the Pipeline 100.
96. (↓) Kevin Parada C NYM 21.11 A+ 2025 (MLB #37/#36/#28 | Roto #86/#74/#97/#124)
The former highly esteemed slugger from the college ranks (2022 11th overall pick) finds himself in an awkward position in NY with Alvarez being such a glamorized prospect. And, defensively, Parada may not be an upgrade over Alvarez, so we're not sure of NYM's plan here. While we expect Kevin to hit his way through the Minors and be ready for NY in 2025 (if he's not packaged in a trade for starting pitching before then), 2023 A+ ball hasn't off the charts, but still an above average line of: .268 Avg, .804 OPS, 8 HRs, 310 PAs, wRC+ 120.
97. (New) Max Clark OF DET 18.8 ---- (MLB ? | Roto #34)
Max gets Pete C-A comps and that's a pretty good comparison to have for the speedy outfielder who should also hit for average with just enough pop to make it interesting. Maybe a future 20/20 guy? Or better, maybe the next Corbin Carroll?
98. (New) Yohandy Morales 3B WAS 21.9 FCL (MLB? | Roto #337)
Slipping to the 2nd round was a suprise to us, but WAS didn't let the Miam 3B slip any farther than that. Yohandy is athletic and can hit for power, a lot of power. We think he's going to be a surprise stud who outhits most of the 1st round talent taken ahead of him!
99. (↓) Cade Cavalli RHP WAS 24.11 IL 2022 (MLB #47/#55/#74 | Roto #84/#111/#219/#174)
A real tough start to Cade's 2022 season saw his ERA go as far North as 9.00 (on 4/24/22), leaving many wondering whether Cade was AAA (much less MLB) ready. Well, hold the Cavalli, as the ERA came down to 3.71 with a stretch of great 3 starts (during which he went 15 IP, 4 ER, 16 K's). That earned a call to the bigs (and one start that didn't go well: 14.54 ERA, 4.1 IP, 6 hits, 2 BB's but 6 K's). Cade likely has to learn to pitch and not simply throw -- since even a 100mph heater is hittable (when major league batters are sitting on it because the secondary pitches can't be thrown for strikes). Fangraphs has Cade graded as a 55FV with FOUR plus pitches including a heater that can reach 102 (but Cade averaged "just" 95.6 in MLB) But, unfortunately, TJ surgery will erase 2023 from the mix.
100. (New) Aaron Palensky OF 24.10 NYY AA 2025 (MLB NR | Roto NR)
Love the mustache. If Aaron wasn't such a good player (.182 AA Avg/ .732 OPS notwithstanding), he'd be up for best MiLB stache (a little Don Mattingly style maybe?). After having little problem with High A (.352 Avg/1.178 OPS, 12 HRs, 10 SBs, 143 PAs), Aaron really struggle out of the gate in Somerset. But, if you watch him bat, you'd never guess he was struggling at all. Aaron is going to turn it around, and one day, that Stache will find its way to the Bronx and hopefully, become a little big like the Don.
101. (New) Tyler Locklear 3B/1B 22.8 SEA A+ (MLB NR/SEA #8 | Roto #105)
Batting .311/.992 OPS, .438 wOBA (14 2Bs, 11 HRs, 7 SBs) at High A Everett, good for the 12th best 162 wRC+ (min 200 PAs) has gotten our attention. A former 2nd rounder out of VCU, fantasy boards have under-projected Tyler's steady power and hit set.
102. (New) Zachary Cole 22.11 OF HOU A+ (MLB NR | Roto NR)
Zachary Cole is doing something not a lot of players do, he's getting better each year and at each level: 103 wRC+ in 2022 in Low A, followed by a 152 wRC+ in Low A in 2023, and now a 189 wRC+ in AA (just 45 PAs though) in High A. Showing speed (8.6) and power (.207), we like the early returns.
103. (New) Gabriel Gonzalez OF SEA 19.6 A+ (MLB NR/#92 | Roto #53)
This guy can really hit. Despite his youth, SEA had seen enough from the 19 y.o. in Modesto (.348 Avg / .933 OPS, 9 HRs, 8 SBs) to promote Gabriel to High A Everett (where over just 44 PAs, he's already hit 5 round trippers for a .282 Avg / 1.057 OPS, .451 wOBA, 171 wRC+. We're going to get to Everett soon to check out the Aqua Sox new star!
104. (New) Alberto Rodriguez OF SEA 22.3 AA 2025 (MLB NR/SEA #25 | Roto NR)
Despite his success in Class A+ in 2023: .306/.973 OPS, 30 2Bs, 7 3Bs, 11 HRs, .266 ISO, 6.7 Spd rating (for a 154 wRC+), Alberto is unfairly off the prospect radar. But SEA recognized Alberto's success at A+ and promoted to AA where he has just 12 ABs.
105. (New) Cade Horton RHP CHC 21.11 A+ 2025 (MLB #45 | Roto #43)
Cade has pitched well in 2023, advancing from Low to High A while maintaining a low 3.03 FIP (#25 among MiLB pitchers with 50+IP) across 61.1 innings w/ a 35.8% K rate and .193 Avg against.
106. (New) Bradley Beesley OF CHC 25.5 AA 2024 (MLB NR | Roto NR)
After a mediocre start to his professional career, CHC didn't really know where to place Bradley and came out cautious with games at A+ (even though Bradley had already advanced to AA). Being far too old for High A, it took only 60 PAs for CHC to promote Beesley back to AA where this time, he hit: .264 Avg/.975 OPS, 7 HR, 10 SBs 134 PAs, .433 wOBA, 157 wRC+. What we like is the 9.2 Spd rating and .262 ISO (another SPOW candidate!)
107. (New) Rece Hinds OF CIN 22.10 AA 2024 (MLB NR/CIN#13 | Roto NR)
Moving to the OF from 3B seems to have helped jump start the batting side of Rece's profile as he's hit .267 /.865 OPS in AA this year with 15 HRs and 11 SBs good for an above average 118 wRC+ (but still an alarming 35.6% K rate).
108. (↓) Druw Jones OF AZ 19.8 A 2025 (MLB#11/#13 | Roto #10/#14/#69)
Druw Jones (Andruw Jones' son) is an ultra talented (5 Tool player), who AZ threw right into the mix starting off in A ball which hasn't just gone un-well but been embarrassingly bad (.175 Avg, .483 OPS over 40 ABs). Well, at least the K's are palatable: 14 in 46 PA's. That led AZ to actually shut down Druw during May and then have him start in the ACL (for rehabilitation), where Druw also struggled (so now he's been shut down again (since June 19th).
109. (↑) Sam Bachman SP LAA 23.10 MLB 2023 (MLB NR; LAA#5 | Roto #268/NR)
A late start kept Sam off the prospect radar in 2022, but he put together a decent 3.92 ERA in AA (though just 30 K's in 43.2). There was some talk of a quick promotion to AAA in 2023, or even to MLB, until Sam went out and pitched to some hard contact and a 5.81 ERA (26.1 IP / 29 K's). With 3+ pitches (Fangraphs says 2), a fastball that can reach 101 (and a weak Angels rotation ahead of him, especially if Ohtani is traded), you have to think Sam has a bright future ahead. For now, that's a bullpen arm and a 3.18 ERA in 17 MLB innings (14K's) while averaging 96.9 on his sinker.
110. (New) Ryan Bliss 2B/SS SEA 23.7 AAA 2024 (MLB NR/AZ#29 | Roto NR)
With a career 108 wRC+ (1046 PAs), Ryan needed to wow us in 2023 to make the top 100, and wow us he did, well, at least in AA, wher he hit .358/1.008 OPS, 12 HRs, 30 SBs before a promotion to AAA and a wall (.180 Avg/.568 OPS/ 56 PAs). But, Ryan made everyone's radar, including the Mariners who picked him up at the deadline in the Sewald deal.
111. (New) Dominic Canzone OF SEA 25.11 MLB 2023 (MLB NR | Roto NR)
The second player back in the AZ/SEA deal involving Seward and Bliss is this guy, Dominic Canzone. Dominic hit our radars in 2021 when he lit up AA, only to have to repeat it in 2022 and ligth it up again! Although Canzone struggled when promoted to AAA last year, he didn't disappoint this year: .354 Avg/ 1.065 OPS, 16 HRs, 13.2% K rate, 149 wRC+. The Mariners did well in obtaining both Bliss and Canzone in this deal.
112. (New) Mason Black RHP SF 23.7 AAA 2024 (MLB NR/SF #8 | Roto #138)
After looking pretty dominant in AA (3.57 ERA, 83 K's in 63 IP), the promotion to AAA has come with some hiccups (5.50 ERA, 18 IP, 19 Hits, including 6 HRs when he gave up just 7 in 63 AA IP). But Mason will make the adjustments (but that 93-96mph sinker is not fooling many hitters in PCL games that can end up 17-16 affairs!)
113. (↓) David Festa RHP MIN 23.8 AA 2024 (MLB NR/MN#7 | Roto #174/#295/#327/#143)
After a great start to 2022 (A ball, then A+), striking out 78 batters in 66.1 IP and sporting a cool 1.76 ERA & 2.51 xFIP [5th in MiLB at the time]) David struggled towards the end to finish with an xFIP of 3.75 (#322 MiLB) and a more modest K rate of 9.38 per 9. 2023 has been up and down too, with David getting off to a hot start before cooling to an unsightly 5.15 ERA over 64.2 AA innings with 84 K's (11.69/9) but a high 1.44 WHIP. The plus fastball hasn't yet been enough to carry the 6'6" Festa over an average slider and change; but, the 3.99 FIP is promising. Plus, he may be able to use the appearance at the 2023 Futures to help re-set.
114. (↓) Ryan Cusick RHP OAK 23.8 AA 2024 (MLB NR/OAK#18 | Roto #222/NR/NR)
The former first rounder had a disastrous 2012, toting a 7.12 ERA across 43 IP which included a whopping 56 hits against. So what does Ryan do in 2023? He comes out and rebounds in AA, pitching to a 4.36 ERA across 74.1 innings but striking out just 66. Ryan can hit triple digits but is also giving up a lot of long balls (14) and far too many hits/walks (1.53 WHIP).
115. (↓) Jackson Jobe SP DET 21.0 A+ 2024 (MLB#25/#38/#63/NR/#100 | Roto#139/#169/#72)
We weren't as enamored by Jackson coming out of the draft (as MLB Pipeline was), nor were we smitten with MLB's initial #25 rank. Jackson then got out to a 5.09 ERA in Single A and just 43 K's in 40.2 IPs before rebounding to a 4.52 line in 18 starts (71K's in 61.2 IP). The rebound earned him a promotion to A+ (just 15.2 IP there in 2022 with good early results). The hard throwing righty (98mph FB) has a 50 grade on FanGraphs but got out to a late start in 2023, starting in Low A before advancing back to A+ where he went 5 IP with 9 K's but 3 HRs given in one start there.
116. (New) Michael Arroyo SS/2B SEA 18.8 A 2025 (MLB NR/SEA #10 | Roto #126)
Seattle's 18 y.o. 2022 international phenom Micheal Arroyo is a work in progress, as the introduction to Class A Modesto hasn't gone well: .227 Avg/.776 OPS (88 ABs). But with a good hit tool and decent speed, we're betting he turns it around.
117. (↑) Austin Wells C NYY 24.0 AAA 2024 (MLB#82/#76 | Roto #87/#80/#96/#121)
Austin flew through the minor leagues in 2022, posting an overall line of .277 Avg, .897 OPS, 20 HRs, 13.9% BB rate and a surprising 16 SBs. Austin isn't known as a very good defensive catcher though, so he'll really have to hit to make and stick in the majors. 2022 the wRC+ of 145 (good for 59th in MiLB) will help him do that. But, the 2023 wRC+ line (of 104) hasn't been so kind: .237 Avg/ .760 OPS, 16 2Bs, 12 HRs, .195 ISO. Austin didn't earn a promotion to AAA, but he's there.
118. (↓) Bryan Mata RHP BOS 24.2 AAA 2023 (MLB NR; BOS#6 | Roto #278/#111/#266/NR)
After recovering from Tommy John surgery, Bryan rejoined Boston's minor league system in 2022 and quickly progressed to AAA where he pitched to a 3.47 ERA with 30 K's in 23.1 IP. For the year, Bryan threw 83 innings with a very good 2.49 ERA and 105 Ks to 46 walks (3.64 xFIP). But 2023 hasn't been as successful, as Mata pitched to a 5.61 ERA in 25.2 IP with just 26 K's to 27 walks and 26 hits before being shut down. Not a good showing. Although Mata boasts a + FB (capable of reaching 99), a + curve and a + changeup, he's needs a hard re-set.
119. (↓) Jared Serna 2B NYY 21.1 A 2025 (MLB NR/NYY#30 | Roto NR/#385)
How about this off the radar prospect? Well, this future Bronx Bomber comes in the form of the rather diminutive Jared Serna (5'6" - 168). But don't let the stature fool you, as Serna hit 6 HRs in 129 ABs in the FCL sporting a .965 OPS (to go with 16/20 SBs). That production resulted in a promotion to A ball in Tampa where, in 2023, Serna has compiled a .283 Avg /.837 OPS, 18 2Bs, 18 HRs, 19 SBs over 404 PAs with just a 16.3% K rate (good for 125 wRC+). Look for Jared in AA Somerset soon.
120. (↑) Jake Eder LHP MIA 24.9 AA 2023 (MLB NR/ MIA#4 | Roto #266/#167/#152/#173)
With a plus FB and a prior 70 graded slider (now 60), Jake pitched to a 1.77 ERA and 99 K's in 71.1 IP in Pensacola in 2021 before elbow shut him down. But he's back in 2023 and pitching to a 4.12 ERA in 39.1 IP, 48 K's.
121. (↑) Orelvis Martinez SS/3B TOR 21.8 AAA 2024 (MLB #37/#70/NR | Roto #119/#231/#73)
One of the youngest players in AA in 2022, Orelvis has mashed 30 HRs (#16 MiLB), but hit just .203 (.732 OPS) while striking out 28.5% of the time for a wRC+ of just 96 (#969 MiLB). TOR would love to see Orelvis focus on reducing the K's and simply getting on base. Everyone knows the power is there, but can he hit enough to get to the majors? Though 2023 started off even worse: .151 Avg, .704 OPS, 11 HRs and just 16 Hits in 118 PAs with 30 K's (25.4%) for an 81 wRC+, Orelvis pulled it together to finish AA with a .226 Avg/.824 OPS 17 HRs (20.5% k rate) and a 120 wRC+ which earned him a promotion to AAA where, guess what, he's struggling again.
122. (↓) Jack Leiter RHP TEX 23.3 AA 2024 (MLB#17/#45/#79/#87 | Roto #96/#127/#166/#256)
Overall in 2022, Leiter was basically pounded in AA as he went 3-10 (5.54 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 11 HRs, .246 Avg against). But hey, he did have 109 K's in 92.2 IP. So 2023 had to be better, right? Well, it started that way (4.38 ERA, 1.38 WHIP across 8 starts, 37 IP w/ a whopping 54 K's). Since then, maybe not as good as he looks to improve on a 5.51 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 11 HRs in 65.1 IP (though also 85 K's). We have to think Leiter is trending towards a big league reliever.
123. (↓) Oswald Peraza SS NYY 23.1 MLB 2022 (MLB#50/#52/NR | Roto #162/#30/#26/NR)
Oswald got off ice cold in 2022 but got on a roll to earn a promotion to the big leagues where he hit .306 across 49 ABs. Not a bad audition. And, it was better than Oswald hit in AAA: .259, .777 OPS, 19 HRs, 33 SBs good for a wRC+ of just 106 (#663 in MiLB). But then came ST 2023 and Volpe played himself into the Yankees starting lineup over Oswald. So what did Oswald do? He turned it on in Scranton (after another slow start) to hit .343 / 964 OPS, 4 HRs, 5 SBs for a wRC+ of 143. But, after being injured, promoted and demoted again, Oswald has slumped to a .261 Avg, .847 OPS, 12 HRs, 11 SBs (107 wRC+) over 216 PAs. But, NYY came calling again (on July 16), but he's gone just 3/20 since with 3 RBIs and 3 SBs.
124. (New) Walter Ford RHP 18.7 SEA ROK (MLB NR/ SEA #6 | Roto NR)
Walter is apparently quite a character. But we're more focused on the baseball skillset and performance. Boasting a very good fastball (95-98) and at least an average slider and change, Walter has started out in rookie ball where he's thrown just 13.2 IP in 6 starts (15 K's) with a 2.63 ERA/1.46 WHIP.
125. (New) Zach DeLoach SEA 24.11 SEA AAA (MLB NR/ SEA #25 | Roto NR)
Zach just quiely goes about his business, batting .288/.842 OPS, 17 2Bs, 11 HRs good for a 109 wRC+ which is just touch below his career 113 wRC+.
126. (↓) Enmanuel Valdez 2B/3B BOS 24.5 MLB 2023 (MLB NR/BOS#17 | Roto NR/#218/#299)
It would be hard to spot Enmanuel in MLB's top 30 for HOU (before the trade to BOS), but you would have found him at #174 in the 2022 wRC+ ranks (131) behind an OPS of .918 and 28 HRs (tied for 28th) and a relatively low K rate (21.6%) for a power guy. Speaking of power, its a lot coming from a guy that's just 5'9" (but 191lbs). So in 2023, in a suprising success story, the Red Sox chose to call up Enmanuel despite his hitting just .184 in AAA (.645 OPS). And yet, Enmanuel goes on to hit .293 in Boston (.866 OPS, 3HRs/3SBs) over his first 58 ABs. Go figure. But, as you'd bet, things didn't stay like that and Enmanule's average plummeted to .234 / .684 OPS before a demotion to AAA Worcester where he's raised his line to .282 / .990 OPS with an astounding 25 HRs over just 121 PAs!!! It won't be long before he's back!
127. (↓) Diego Cartaya C LAD 21.10 AA 2024 (MLB #8/#14/#20 | Roto #109/#56/#75/#98/#207)
A slow start in A ball in 2022 made Diego a bit of a forgotten figure to some, but he recovered toa a line that gave an wRC+ of 139 [93rd best in MiLB]. But, the concern in A ball in 2022 was the 26.7% K rate. Still, Diego held a very good wOBA of .400 (#109 MiLB). Fast forward to 2023 and Diego is off to another slow start (read: horrendous) over his first 310 PA's: .182 Avg, .610 OPS, 9 2Bs, 12 HRs, 29.7% k rate (wRC+ of 60). These really really bad starts have us and MLB pipeline questioning Diego's rank (but we're a lot more proactive than MLB Pipeline which has dropped Diego just 6 spots).
128. (↓) Bo Naylor C CLE 23.5 MLB 2022 (MLB#75/#64 | Roto #159/#38/#51/#84)
Bo is a better than average hitting catcher, which put him on the fast track to MLB (where he got his first taste in October). For 2022, he hit .262 (.888) with 21 HRs and 20 SBs (23.7% K rate and a 6.3 speed grade which is obviously a huge + for a catcher). Overall, the wRC+ of 139 placed Bo in the top 100 in 2022 (at #91). With a career MiLB 112 wRC+, Bo needed to put together another strong campaign in 2023, which he has: .253 Avg / .891 OPS, 13 HRs (121 wRC+). That in turn, as we predicted, earned him a promotion to CLE where the competition at backstop wasn't exactly imposing.
129. (↓) Connor Norby 2B BALT 22.11 AAA 2023 (MLB NR/BAL#8 | Roto#98/#25/#31/#34/#102)
Connor quietly put together a darn good year in 2022: .279 Avg., .886 OPS, 29 HRS, 16 SBs with most of that production coming at AA where Connor had a .412 wOBA (tied for 32nd with Curtis Mead and James Outman (and just behind Brett Baty). Although he's not viewed as a slugger, 29 HRs will tell you otherwise. The line at AAA Norfolk in 2023 looks pretty good: .292 Avg, .831 OPS, 14 HRs, 3 SBs in 430 PA's., but wRC (103) and wOBA (.363) aren't as kind (as the .187 ISO and 7.7% walk rate are holding Connor back).
130. (New) Ty Madden SP DET 23.5 AA 2023 (MLB NR/DET#5 | Roto #294/#269)
At the moment, Detroit's best MiLB pitcher is this guy. Though he sports a slightly above average fastball, Ty's best pitch is a + slider. That pitch has helped him to a 3.43 ERA over 76 IP with 90 K's.
131. (↓) Mason Montgomery SP TBR 23.1 AA 2024 (MLB NR/TB#5 | Roto #322/#173/#94/#111)
A devastating changeup (despite a FB that is just a tick above average) had the Rays #5 prospect and former 6th rounder, dominating MiLB ball last year: 1.81 ERA over 16 starts in A+ (69.2 IP) with an astounding 118 K's. (41.8% K rate, #1 MiLB at the time), followed by a promotion to AA and good line of a 2.48 ERA, 53 K's in 54.1 IP. In 2023, TB chose to keep Mason in Montgomery where he has struggled to a 4.48 ERA but 100 K's in 80.1 IP.
132. (↓) Wilmer Flores RHP DET 22.3 AA 2023 (MLB#100/#95/NR | Roto #127/#152/#191/#222)
There's a lot to like about Wilmer. The 6'4" righty pitched to a 2.79 ERA with 130 K's in 103.1 IP in 2022 with just 23 walks and 10 HRs given up. That type of production had FanGraphs increasing its 40+ grade to a 50! With Wilmer, you have to like his +FB (98mph) and +curve and, we have to recognize the 56th best xFIP in MiLB in 2022 (3.10)....but, we also have to recognize the difficulty that 2023 has been to date. Repeating AA Erie (we don't know why), Wilmer got off to a rough start (6.15 ERA, then down to a 4.95 ERA over 36.1 IP) before improving to a palatable 3.93 ERA over 75.2 IP but K's have been down all year (75).
133. (New) Marco Luciano SS/3B SFG 21.10 MLB 2023 (MLB#9/#16/#20 | Roto#36/#47/#63/#85/#77)
Remember when some boards were touting Marco as the #1 overall prospect? Hello overshoot. After a horrendous 2021 campaign in A+ where Marco ranked something like 220 out of 240 A+ ball eligible IF/shortstops, Luciano tried to rebound in 2022 [.269 Avg, .817 OPS, 11 HRs, 257 PA's]. Well, that wasn't a great line either, but the overall body of work wRC+ of 126 placed him at around #400 of eligible MiLB players, which earned Marco a promotion to AA to start 2023, where, unsuprisingly, he struggled again. Hitting just .176 / .759 OPS with 4 HRs overall, but just 51 ABs. However, he put together a good month+ to bring his average up to .228 / .789 OPS, 11 HRs, 6 SBs (wRC 114), which was enough for SF to promote Marco to AAA where he hit well in just 27 PAs, and SF (who we know to be slow on the draw on these, quickly and suprisingly promoted Marco -- where to date he has just 9 PAs).
134. (↓) Jasson Dominguez OF NYY 20.5 AA 2024 (MLB #37/#43 | Roto #166/#26/#30/#12/#23)
Has there ever been as much international prospect hype as there was for Jasson Dominguez (and for so long)? And though "the Martian" hasn't exactly lived up to any of those lofty expectations, the hype was never his fault. But there's promise here, top 50 promise. Jasson hit well at A and A+ ball in 2022 but produced more on the basepaths (36 SBs) than in the power department (15 HRs). But, boy did he look good in Spring Training AND has put some significant muscle on his frame. But, none of that has really helped in AA Somerset where Jasson has hit a disappointing .226 /.724 OPS with 10 2Bs, 12 HRs and 29 SBs for a very average 103 wRC+ with a 26.7% k rate and just a .146 ISO bringing that career wRC+ down to 121.
135. (New) Jordan Beck OF COL 22.1 AA 2025 (MLB NR/#99 | Roto #210/#96)
The former 6th rounder has put together two strong years to start his professional career: .286 Avg / .931 OPS, .413 wOBA, 145 wRC+ but is struggling with the promotion to AA (.234 Avg/.882 3 HRs in 52 PAs but 40.4% K rate).
136. (NC) Edwin Arroyo SS CIN 19.11 A+ 2025 (MLB#52/#44/#24 | Roto#88/#46/#71/#239)
Cincinnati picked up two premier SS prospects in the trade with the Mariners: Noelvi Marte and this guy, Edwin Arroyo. Although Edwin struggled for Cincy after the trade, he hit the heck out of Class A Modesto pre-trade. We think the Reds received another gem here (so does MLB who have him even higher, at #44 overall). However, a career 107 wRC+ tells another story as do the struggles in High A in 2023: .249 Avg / .732 OPS, 9 HRs, 21 SBs, 367 PAs (107 wRC+)
137. (↑) Jace Jung 2B DET 22.9 AA 2025 (MLB#71/#83/#73 | Roto #149/#176/#206/#134)
The younger brother of TEX Josh Jung, Jace didn't hit well in his first taste of pro ball at A+ West Michigan (.231 Avg, .706 OPS), but possesses good power and a chance to hit for average. Although 2023 got off to a slow start in a repeat of Class A+ (.242 Avg / .785 OPS, 4 HRs, 1 SB), Jace heated up to .254 Ag/ .842 OPS, 14 HRs, 5 SBs to earn a promotion to AA (where he has just 22 PAs).
138. (↑) Dustin Harris 1B/3B/OF TEX 24.0 AAA 2024 (MLB NR/TEX#7| Roto #39/#72/#61/#90)
After destroying A ball in 2021, AA presented more of a challenge to Dustin (.257 Avg, .817 OPS) in 2022 but he still managed to hit 17 HRs (20 in 2021) and steal 19 bases (25 in 2021) in far less ABs (331 vs 404 in 2021); but, we also saw the strikeout rate rise significantly to 19.4%. TEX chose to return Dustin to AA Frisco in 2023 and Dustin has had an even tougher time: .45 Avg / .780 OPS, 5 HRs, 24 SBs for a 111 wRC+ with a late push earnign Dustin a promotion to AAA where he's continued to hit just slightly above average (109 wRC+, 113 PAs)
139. (↑) Carlos Duran RHP LAD 21.10 A+ 2024 (MLB NR | Roto NR/#311/NR)
Here's a name you may not have heard. The 6'7" Duran can sling it, both with a 99 mph FB and a hard breaking slider. Although he threw just 48.2 IP in 2022, he struck out 68 until TJ surgery ended the ride. Duran won't pitch in 2023, but we'll look for him in 2024
140. (↑) Kumar Rocker RHP TEX 23.2 AA 2024 (MLB NR | Roto #114/#303/#333/#354)
From the 2021 injury/signing debacle to 2022 3rd overall pick, Kumar was ready to show NYM what they missed out on. Unlike what TEX did with Leiter, the Rangers chose to be less aggressive in Kumar's first pro competition with a placmeent at High A Hickory where Kumar pitched to a decent 3.86 ERA in 28 IP with 42 K's until...guess what?.....the Mets were right, TJ surgery!
141. (New) Abimelic Ortiz 1B TEX 21.5 A+ 2025 (MLB NR | Roto #118)
This 6'0" 230 LB can hit the ball a long way, launching 24 of those 4 bag varieties in just 314 PAs so far this season, while holding down a .335 Avg in High A (183 wRC+).
142. (New) Ivan Meledez 1B AZ 23.6 AA 2025 (MLB NR | Roto #380)
Another 1B that can launch big flies is Ivan the DBack, at 6'3" 225, Ivan swings at every ball like he's going to hit it out, so Ortiz, that has meant that 24 such big flies have left the building (309 PAs), while carrying an oustanding .479 ISO (but a far too high 37.7% K rate in AA ball).
143. (↓) Gavin Stone RHP LAD 24.9 AAA 2023 (MLB NR/#77/#56/#48 | Roto #99/#47/#25/#54)
Remember when Gavin dominated hitters in 2022 (1.60 ERA, 12.04/9 K rate, 2.08 xFIP in AA; 1.16 ERA, 33 K's in 23.1 IP at AAA). Well, seems like ages ago as 2023 has not been so kind for the University of Central Arkansas product (and UCA's highest ever draft pick): 5.86 ERA, 70.2 IP, 73 Hits, .262 Avg, 1.49 WHIP. And the Major league numbers? 12.75 ERA, 28 Hits given up in just 12.0 IP, 8 walks, 8 K's. Not good, not good at all. Although scouts reported Gavin reaching 97/98 on his FB (which helped set up his change, which was regarded as his best pitch), Gavin's AAA OKC start on 5/9 had his FB parked 90-95, topping out at 95.9. We're bearish on the prospect of turning it around. Shares sold.
144. (↓) Clayton Beeter RHP NYY 24.9 AAA 2023 (MLB NR/NYY#13 | Roto NR/#354)
After being traded from the Dodgers in 2022, found some footing in AA Somerset throwing 25.1 innings with a 2.13 ERA and 41K's. Home runs were a problem in Tulsa for the hard throwing righty, but not at Somerset. In 2023, repeating AA ball, Clayton looked good pitching to a 2.08 ERA in 60.2 IP with 76 K's. And in AAA, its been more of the same: 3.26 ERA, 19.1 IP, 20 K's. Fangraphs has Clayton rated with just a 40 FV, and we watched Clayton throw on 6/30, as he operated in a less than dominating 90-93 range over 5.2 IP while giving up 4 ER. We're also selling our shares here.
145. (↓) Wenceel Perez 2B/SS DET 23.8 AAA 2024 (MLB NR/DET#8 | Roto NR/#202/#395/NR)
Wenceel broke out in a big way in 2022, batting .295, .902 OPS with 14 HRs while swiping 18 bags on his way to a .392 wOBA and 143 wRC+. Wenceel's previous HR high was 4, but the speed was always there. 2023 has seen a major dip in production (in AA) with a .271 Avg, and just a .728 OPS, 6 HRs, 19 SBs, 103 wRC+ (343 PAs). But, the player desperate Tigers promoted Wenceel to AAA anyway.
146. (New) Tsung-Che Cheng 2B/SS PIT 22.0 A+ 2025 (MLB NR PIT#29 | Roto NR/#259)
Tsung got off to a fast start this year (.308 Avg / .981 OPS, 12 2Bs, 9 3Bs, 9 HRs, 13 SBs, and almost as many walks as K's (which brought his career MiLB wRC+ up to 139). But then came the promotion to AA where a .523 OPS over 100 PAs says it all. Standing just 5'7", Tsung packs a punch in his swing and a kick in his step. He's likely a future 2B over arm/range issues, but could be a very good one (especially if he can keep up the power numbers). But first, he has to figure out AA.
147. (↓) Gordon Graceffo SP STL 23.4 AAA 2023 (MLB#79/NR/STL#3 | Roto#87/#167/#212/#319)
The STL minors co-player of the year pitched to a 2.97 ERA across 139.1 IP in 2022 striking out 139 (so right at 9.00 per 9 IP). But, 2023 has had its bumps (4.447 ERA, 41 K's in 46.1 IP) including an April 28 start of 5 IP, 6 ERs, 2 HRs against a very good Durham (TB AAA) team, where the 4th [Tristan Gray HR off a slider] and 5th innings [Ben Gamel HR off a 92.8 mph FB] ultimately led to Gordon being shut down at that time. But Gordo returned on June 17 to improve his ERA since. On the year, the K's are down, as is the FB that hit 99 on 4/28 but now his barely up to 94 (we saw that on 6/30 with the FB sitting at 89-94). Gordo pairs what had been a plus FB with a plus slider, curve and changeup good for a 50 FV at Fangraphs. We don't now what's going on. Is this the 99 mph FB Graceffo or the 90 mph one?
148. (↓) Owen White RHP TEX 23.11 AAA 2023 (MLB#59/#66/#51/#43 | Roto#170/#232/#161/#296)
Although he didn't dominate A+ in 2022 (3.99 ERA) the 81 K's in 58.2 IP caught a lot of folks' attention, including TEX brass who promoted Owen to AA Frisco where he pitched even better (2.49 ERA, 23 K's in 21.2 Innings to just 4 BBs). FanGraphs had graded Owen at a 50 with his slider being his best pitch (off a FB that sat at 92-95) but that was 2022. In 2023 FanGraps has Owen up to a 55 FV, with a slight uptick in velo (93-96). However, when Owen made his MLB debut on June 13th, he averaged just 93.9 on his FB (right at major league average) and relied mostly on his 88mph cutter which batters hit .400 against. Despite high spin rates and very good accuracy Owen pitches to contact as shown in his 3.94 AAA ERA, and overall on the year, just 57 K's in 72.1 IP. We're thinking a Dane Dunning comp.
149. (↓) Robert Hassell III OF WAS 21.11 AA 2023 (MLB #22/#35/#90 | Roto #9/#45/#84/#251)
San Diego gave up a very promising prospect, but obviously received a generational talent in Soto. Hassell put together a stellar campaign for the Padres in 2022 (Pre-trade), batting .299 with 10 HRs and 20 SBs (.846 OPS). But after the trade, things didn't go so well, and yet, the Nationals felt compelled to promote Hassell to AA despite struggling at their A+ affiliate (Wilmington). In 2023, Hassel began the season in Low A (where he again couldn't hit: .189 Avg, .679 OPS, 53 ABs). But, yet again was promoted to AA in a repeat, and things have repeated poorly. On the year, Robert's line is a poor .221 Avg/.656 OPS, 6 HRs, 12 SBs, 26.6% K rate over 350 PAs for an wRC+ of 87. As bad as those stats are, the .090 ISO is even worse. And, its not getting better, making Hassell one of the biggest fallers in the MLB Pipeline Top 100. Maybe SD knew something we and WAS didn't.
150. (↓) Shane Sasaki OF TBR 23.0 A+ 2024 (MLB NR | Roto NR/NR/#286/NR)
In 2022, Shane hit .324 at Single A Charleston (while batting leadoff and playing CF) with a .907 OPS, .419 wOBA, 9 HRs and a whopping 47 SBs good for a wRC+ of 151 (#31 MiLB). So we were looking forward to 2023 and the promotion to A+. The year began well when Shane hit .290/ .776 OPS, 2 HRs, 9 SBs in 117 PAs (114 wRC+) but has since tailed off (.262 Avg/.741 OPS/104 wRC+).
151. (New) Dominic Fletcher OF AZ 25.10 MLB 2023 (MLB NR/AZ#14 | Roto NR)
What a year 2023 has been for the 5'9" former 6th Rounder. After lighting up the AAA, he went out and lit up MLB pitching, before a promised regression came and then a demotion back to AAA. On the year in AAA, Domini has hit a respectable 119 wRC+ (236 PA's) and a likewise respectable 112 wRC+ in the bigs (102 PAs).
152. (↓) Ronny Mauricio SS NYM 22.3 AAA 2023 (MLB #53/NR/#94/#56 | Roto #231/#146/#76)
Maybe Ronny doesn't get as much credit as he should. Think Alfonso Soriano here (2022: .259 Avg, .768 OPS, 26 HRs, 20 SBs and 125 K's in 509 ABs [23.1%]) But, the overall line at AA last year, comparatively speaking, was not great (wRC+ 104, #700 in MiLB). To start 2023, Ronny had the promotion birds chirping when he got off to a hot start: .351 Avg / .976 OPS, 22 2Bs, 7 HRs, 9 SBs, wRC+ of 141. But then he fell back to earth and a 104 wRC+ -- while still holding a line of .294 Avg/.841 OPS, 16 HRs, 16 SBs. Impatience at the plate [5.8% BB] is problematic.
153. (↓) Edgar Quero C CHW 20.3 AA 2024 (MLB NR/#91/#65 | Roto NR/#169/#203/#241)
After a pretty astounding year in low A, .312 Avg, .965 OPS, 17 HRs, 12 SBs, 73 BBs, .439 wOBA, 150 wRC+ over 413 ABs, the Angels were aggressive in promoting Edgard to AA (skipping A+) and after a hot start Edgar cooled off to a mediocre line: .243 Avg / .712 OPS, 3 HR, 1 SB, over 330 PAs for a 103 wRC+. With the trade to Chicago, Edgar has a chance to re-set.
154. (New) Buddy Kennedy 2B AZ 24.9 AAA 2022 (MLB NR | Roto NR)
While the career 121 wRC+ doesn't wow us, this year's 134 wRC+ has: .320 Avg/.927 OPS, 4 HRs, 3 SBs (though down from a 170 wRC+ and .483 wOBA).
155. (New) Chayce McDermott SP BALT 24.11 AAA 2023 (MLB NR | Roto NR / #344)
While the strikeout numbers have always been good for Chayce (249 in 165 IP), the results (run suppression) haven't always been there. But this year Chayce got out to a 2.70 AA ERA with 40 IP 49 K's, 1.18 WHIP before his last three AA starts pushed his ERA up to 3.56 (over 68.1 IP). In the game we watched Chayce, he dominated an Erie Sea Wolves lineup that included the hot hitting Colt Keith and Dillon Dingler (where Chayce struck out 7 over 5 IP with a live fastball). Ultimately, Chayce's fairly consistent production resulted in a promotion to AAA where in 3 games (1 start), he's out to a 2.77 ERA (13 IP, 18 K's).
156. (↓) Brayan Rocchio 2B/SS CLE 22.6 MLB 2023 (MLB #69/#75/#63/#51 | Roto #22/#35/#50/#65)
Across two levels in 2022, Bryan batted .257 (.756 OPS) with 18 HRs and 14 SBs, and hoped that 2023 could improve on the career 116 wRC+. At just 22 years old, Brayan put together a top 50 AAA start to 2023 (.338 Avg / .882 OPS, 13 2Bs, 3 3Bs, 1 HR, 10 SBs and just a 13.1% K rate resulting in a 126 wRC+). That caught CLE's eye and Brayan received his first taste of the big leagues on May 16th, going 1/2 (and garnering 14 PAs). Since then, its been downhill, as the average has dropped to .291/.791 OPS, just 3 HRs and 19 SBs for a very average 105 wRC+.
157. (↓) Zac Veen OF COL 21.7 AA 2025 (MLB #23/#32/#66 | Roto #108/#126/#60/#47/#128)
Speed is the name of the game for Veen. After a slow start at A+ ball in Spokane, Veen picked it up in 2022 and earned a promotion to AA. But the overall line: .245 Avg, .724 OPS, 12 HRs, wRC+ of 104 (24.4% K rate) was not only not good, it was bad (#728 MiLB)...and that despite a whopping 55 SBs (13th in MiLB) In 2023, its been more of the same for Veen and the Yard Goats with Zac batting a dismal .209/.611 OPS, 2 HR but 22 SBs, resulting in another average MiLB wRC+ of 71 (which is pretty consistent with Veen's overhyped production thus far in his career: 111 wRC+ over 1221 PAs). And MLB Pipeline noticed, dropping Veen 34 spots!
158. (↓) Dylan Lesko SP SDP 19.10 ACL 2026 (MLB#98/#84/#63 | Roto #134/#123/#136/#145)
Dylan possesses three plus pitches (FB, Curve, Change) and has only just gotten in a professional game (June 20th) and the results aren't mixed: 10.80 ERA, 5 IP with 9 K's
159. (↓) Robert Perez Jr. 1B/OF SEA 23.1 AA 2024 (MLB NR/SEA#19 | Roto NR/#321/#348/NR)
After two years in Single A Modesto, in 2022, the M's finally promoted Robert to A+ Everett where he thrived (batting .342, 1.060 OPS, 7 HRs, 35 games) for an wRC+ of 193 (#1 in A+). And, in 2023, the M's did one better by placing Perez in AA Arkansas where he began by hitting above average (.285 Avg, .800 OPS, 6 HRs, for a wRC+ 109), before tailing off to a current .238 Avg/.735 10 HRs (277 ABs).
160. (New) Tyler Fitzgerald 2B/SS SF 25.8 AAA 2023 (MLB NR | Roto NR)
Although the career 116 wRC+ doesn't jump off the page, Tyler has had good minor league numbers in the past (19 HRs in 2021, 21 HRs/20 SBs in 2022) but has been held back by a high K rate (32.9% in 2022). But in 2023, Tyler has worked to reduce the K's (24.9%) and increase his walks (12.4%), resulting in a .382 wOBA (13 HRs, 19 SBs) to go with a .294 Avg (114 wRC+, 8.3 SPd, .223 ISO)
161. (New) Tristin English 1B/3B/OF AZ 26.0 AAA 2023 (MLB NR | Roto NR)
Repeating AA, Tristan overwhelmed pitchers, batting .333 / 1.148 OPS, 6 HRs, 78 PA's (wRC+ 192), earning a promotion to AAA where he's cooled off to: .281 Avg / .845 OPS, 10 HRs, 101 wRC+ (226 PAs).
162. (↓) Justin Foscue 2B TEX 24.4 AAA 2024 (MLB#78/NR/TEX#6 | Roto #117/#228/#205/#87)
Justin had a decent 2022, batting .288 with an OPS of .850 (31 2Bs and 15 HRs) but the comparative, overall line of a 116 wRC+ (#417 overall) puts the 2022 line in more meh territory. With almost no speed (2.8 grade) and low walks (9.8%), we said that Justin is going to have to hit his way into a MLB lineup (which would mean well over .300 in AAA). In 2023 in AAA, Justin has hit to a mediocre .278/ .842 OPS with 11 HRs and 7 SBs but increasing both the walk rate (14.1%) and 106 wRC+
163. (↓) Gavin Cross OF KC 22.3 A+ 2024 (MLB#72/#62/#72/NR | Roto #164/#133/#119/#328)
Selected 9th overall by the Royals in 2022, and though it was a short sample in 2022 (109 ABs), Gavin put on a clinic: .312 Avg, 1.070 OPS, 8 HRs, 4 SBs. In 2023, the promotion to A+ hasn't gone as well: .210 Avg/.690 OPS/ 94 wRC+ [391 PA's]. A big reason for the poor year, thus far, is the 28.4% K rate.
164. (↓) Josue De Paula OF LAD 18.2 A 2026 (MLB NR/ LAD#9 | Roto NR/#194/#87/#24)
Josue isn't on a lot of fantasy radars. The American born De Paula moved to the Dominican Republic to play baseball and was signed by LAD as part of their international player pool. In the DSL, Josue cruised to the tune of a .349 Avg, .970 OPS, 5 HRs and 16 SBs (and walked more than he struck out: 14.3% to 13.9%) for a wRC of 161 (good for 9th in MiLB). LAD quickly promoted De Paula to Low A this year where he's hit .286 / .785 OPS, 1 HR, 8 SBs for a decent 119 wRC+ (201 PAs)
165. (↓) Max Meyer RHP MIA 24.2 IL 2022 (MLB #22/#67/#43/#54 | Roto #46/#119/#101/#63)
In 2022, as a result of two bad AAA starts (giving up 14 earned runs over 8.1 IP), Meyer went from a sparkling 1.72 ERA, 2.97 xFIP [30th among MiLB pitchers] and 39K's in 31.1 IPs to a rather ugly 4.54 ERA. Those dismal outings were followed by elbow trouble (ulnar nerve), but Meyer returned on June 17th and was pretty good in 4 starts reducing his ERA from 4.54 to 3.69 (and xFIP to 3.57). With a FB capable of triple digits and a wipeout slider, Meyer has two ++ pitches to pair with an average changeup. But, in the majors, Meyer's fastball averaged just 94.8 mph with a lot of direct contact (16.7% barrel rate). While the average exit velocity off Meyer was high at 89.4 mph, that was the same as Gerrit Cole and Luis Severino with the metric separating the three being the barrel rate (as Cole was just at 9.5% and Severino at 6.9%). After TJ surgery in August, Meyer won't pitch again until 2024.
166. (↓) Quinn Priester RHP PIT 22.3 AAA 2023 (MLB#44/#67 | Roto #181/#217/#118/#320)
After a long delay to start the season, Quinn was able to pitch 90.1 innings in 2022 (including 84.2 at AA and AAA) with an overall line of 3.29 ERA but a surprisingly low 89 K's in 90.1 innings (along with a pretty poor xFIP of 4.04). Quinn followed that up with a 4.12 ERA thus far in INDY, 44 K's in 43.2 IP. FanGraphs has a 50 Grade for Quinn with his best pitch being a ++ curve while his FB comes in a bit flat at 92-94 (topping at 96) (and averaging 92.9 in his 15.2 MLB innings). We're thinking of Quinn as a back of the rotaketion guy with a 4.50-5.50 ERA in the majors.
167. (↓) Keiner Delgado SS NYY 19.6 FCL 2026 (MLB NR | Roto NR/#303/#226/#261/#312)
Although Keiner spent 2022 in the Dominican Summer League, he dominated that circuit in a way that few do. Batting .310 with 34 SBs in 54 games, the 5'8" switch hitting middle infielder showed patience at the plate (58 BBs to just 28 K's) while swatting 3 HRs, 4 3Bs and 16 2Bs (for a 1.010 OPS) AND the top wRC+ in MiLB in 2022 (178) for players 27 and under, which also earned him SS of the year honors in the DSL. Speaking of the DSL, over the past 7 years, only 10 players posted an wRC+ of 178 or higher in the DSL including Andres Gimenez (CLE 2B/SS) who hit .297 in the bigs last year with 17 HRs (for a MLB wRC+ of 140). By comparison, the Mariners' Julio Rodriguez had a wRC+ of "just" 161 in the DSL. For 2023, with no reason to repeat DSL, NYY started Keiner in the FCL and he's hit as well he did in the DSL last year (.294 Avg/.889 OPS, 5 HRs, 22 SBs, 168 PA's) with one exception, the BB% is down (24.4% to 13.1%) bringing OBP down from .504 to .399 (still very good of course) -- but we are talking complex league.
168. (↑) Enmanuel Tejeda SS NYY 18.7 FCL 2026 (MLB NR | Roto NR/NR/#292/#209)
Enmanuel's biggest assets are his wheels (with 11 SBs in 46 DSL games and 18 in 34 FCL games, 7.3 Spd grade), but he's getting on base (.463 OBP DSL/.468 FCL) and showing some pop (.493 SLG DSL/.443 SLG FCL) though the K's are up to 22.1% with the promotion.
169. (↑) Moses Brito LHP LAD 20.10 DSL 2025 (MLB NR | Roto NR/NR/NR)
The "other" player LAD received in the Mitch White to TOR deal was DSL prospect Moises Brito. In 2022, Moises had the 3rd best WHIP in MiLB while striking out 30.2% of batters faced, and a 1.79 ERA and 2.79 xFIP weren't bad either (of course its the DSL). And in 2023, in a repeate of the DSL, its been more of the same (1.71 ERA, 31.2 IP, 43K's). We need to part the seas and get Moses Stateside so we can see how he fares against better competition.
170. (↓) Brock Jones OF TB 22.4 A+ 2025 (MLB NR/ TB#11 | Roto NR/#233/#214/NR)
We think Brock is going to consistently make our SPOW list with enough HRs and SBs to consistently be in the top 150 MiLB batters, but 2023 hasn't shown us that: .225 Avg / .784 OPS , 112 wRC+ despite 11 HRs and 8 SBs, in large part due to an unworkable 32.1% K rate.
171. (↓) Zach Kokoska OF COL 24.9 A+ 2024 (MLB NR | Roto NR)
What do we do with a near 25 year old destroying High A? Well, we have to put him somewhere, especially after hitting .303 / .961, 16 HRs, 18 SBs over 322 PAs for a 154 wRC+ (Matt Holliday type numbers!) Promote this guy already!!
172. (↓) Zach Dezenzo 2B/3B HOU 23.2 A+ 2024 (MLB NR | Roto NR / #255)
Like Kokoska, the 6'4" Dezenzo destroyed A+ ball in 2023: .407 Avg, 1.102 OPS, 4 HRs, 6 SBs, 12.0% BB rate for a 194 wRC+. But he's too old for A+ ball, so HOU promoted this Zach and, well, the 108 wRC+ line brings us back down to earth.
173. (New) Jesus Rodriguez 1B/C NYY 21.3 A 2025 (MLB NR | Roto NR | DF #140/NR)
After being named 1st Team 1B in the FCL (.439 wOBA, .348 Avg/1.120 OPS, 12.6% K rate), Jesus got off to a slow start in Low A: .247 Avg / .670 OPS, wRC+ 94 before rebounding to a .295 Avg/ .799 OPS, 6 HRs, 15 SBs for a 119 wRC+
174. (New) Jarlin Susana RHP WAS 19.4 A 2025 (MLB NR/WAS #5 | Roto #157)
Jarlin Susana can throw the rock! Hitting triple digits in his starts, the imposing 6'6" 19 year old comes right at you. But, that also gets him in trouble as its coming in straight and if not located up, in or away, batters are able to square up, leading to a 4.73 ERA (59 IP, 60 K's and a 1.53 WHIP). Lots of potential here, but lately its been all struggles (and future MLB relief pitcher written all over).
175. (New) Alex Ramirez OF NYM 20.6 A+ 2025 (MLB#96/#81/NR/NYM#5 | Roto#67/#92/#149/#282)
Although pretty young for A+ ball, Alex Ramirez held his own, batting .278 with 5 HRs and 4 SBs across 54 games. The wRC+ was pretty pedestrian in that showing (106), but the 22.0% K rate and a .372 wOBA (6 HRs and 17 SBs) in Low A gave us hope for 2023. But, unfortunately, its been more of the same this year: .248 Avg / .696 OPS, 6 HRs, 16 SBs over 382 PAs in High A (wRC+ 105).
Noticeable omissions (from our ranks)
Cole Henry RHP WAS 23.10 AA 2024 (MLB NR/WAS#12 | Roto #204/NR | DR #53)
Cole Henry boasts 3 plus pitches, including a 99 MPH FB. But injuries (like TOS) have slowed Cole's progress and 2023 hasn't returned the results you'd like: 4.82 ERA, 28 IP, 30 K's.
Elijah Green OF WAS 19.7 A 2025 (MLB#28/#38/#65/#82/NR | Roto #33/#23/#41/#214 | DR #65)
The 2022 5th overall pick appeared to hit well in Rookie Ball (.302 Avg, .939 OPS, 2 HRs in 29 ABs) but the 21 K's (right about 50% of his ABs) tells another story. That story followed Elijah into low A in 2023 where he's hit just .218/.645 OPS with 106 K's in 248 PA's (42.7%) (93 wRC+). Not a promising start! If fantasy "gurus" are saying they're "not worried", they're lying to themselves. He's ina freefall over at MLB Pipeline having been overslotted at #28 and now down out of the ranks altogether.
DL Hall LHP BAL 24.10 AAA 2022 (MLB #67/#97/#82/NR | Roto #133/#85/#63/#154 | DR #83)
Regaining his health in 2022, DL Hall put together a string of good starts in AAA to make the leap to the bigs! But, not only was the major league debut a little concerning (5.93 ERA), so were some of the minor league numbers. But, most impressive for Hall was the K ratio (striking out a whopping 137 batters over 84.1 IP). Of course, he walked 50 and gave up 67 hits (including 10 HRs), resulting in an overall ERA of 4.48 (1.39 WHIP). DL Hall is a fairly polarizing prospect with 3 plus pitches, a 98 mph FB (he averaged 96.2 in MLB in 2022) and a 50 grade from FanGraphs (was a 55 last year). But, a high ERA (minors and majors) and up and down stuff (literally) has many (including MLB) dropping DL Hall down the prospect list. This year, after another poor but brief MLB stint (3 IP, 6.00 ERA), DL threw 41.1 AAA innings which started good: 3.56 ERA; but ended bad: 4.57 ERA). A major problem has been that the velocity has been down. Take his May 10th start, e.g., DL's FB sat at 90-94, topping out at 94.5, well below his career averages; and yet he struck out 9 in 6 IP with 2 ERs given up (1 HR). June 14 was DL's last AAA start as BALT opted to retool him in the complex league (where he struck out 6 batters in 2 IP on July 28th).
Andres Chaparro 3B NYY 24.0 AAA 2024 (MLB NR | Roto NR/NR/#246/#351 | DR #115)
Andres hadn't put together a decent minors year until 2022, but in 2022, he put together what wRC+ considered to be the 11th best. Of the numbers on the year, it was power that carried Chaparro. With a .296 Avg, Andres still managed aa .296 ISO (20 HRs in just 293 PA's and nearly all of that in AA). After 6 years in the low minors, it was time NY gave Andres a shot at AAA...and guess what? they did! Finally, after all those years toiling in the lower minors, Andres was promoted to AAA Scranton for the 2023 year where he has hit for an unremarkable 99 wRC+ (405 PAs)
Mike Vasil RHP NYM 23.4 AAA 2024 (MLB NR/NYM#10 | Roto #141 | DR #136)
Jakson Reetz C KC 27.4 AAA 2023 (MLB NR | Roto NR | DR #139)
Addison Barger 3B/SS TOR 23.6 AAA 2023 (MLB NR/TOR#6 | Roto #130/#66/#137 | DR#141)
Addison flew through the minors last year (A+/AA/AAA), seemingly hitting better with each promotion. On the year, Addison hit .308, .933 OPS, 26 HRs, 91 RBIs and 9 SBs over 467 ABs for an wRC+ of 151 (improving on his career 126 wRC+) and placing 31st in MiLB. But the Barg has stopped in AAA where rough seas (.236, .727 OPS, 202 PAs, 84 wRC+) have halted the voyage to the bigs. Addison needs to work to keep that career 26.1% K rate South of 25%)
Matt Gorski OF PIT 25.6 AA 2023 (MLB NR; PIT #15 | Roto NR | DR #142)
Niko Kavadas 1B BOS 24.3 AA 2024 (MLB NR/BOS#19 | Roto NR/#96/#257/#381 | DR #143)
Moises Gomez OF STL 24.9 AAA 2023 (MLB NR; STL#13 | Roto #213/#384/#274/NR | DR #144)
Jose Gerardo OF MIA 17.11 DSL 2026 (MLB NR/MIA#17 | Roto NR/#302/#228/#262/NR | DR#147)
Royber Salinas SP OAK 22.3 AA 2024 (MLB NR | Roto #324/NR/NR/#343 | DR #148)
We are only pretty sure the 6'3" 205 lb (listed) Royber isn't "just" 205 lbs (as reported by MLB pipeline over the last 2 seasons), but we are definitely sure that he was unhittable at times in 2022 -- striking out (at one point) 40.5% of batters (then 4th in MiLB) which led to a 3.12 xFIP (then 26th best in MiLB). Royber's vice had been walks (51 in 85.1 IP), otherwise, he put together a strong year (175K's in 109 IP) and caught the A's eyes, when they asked that he be included in the trade from ATL for Sean Murphy. Relying on an above average FB (that can reach 98), Royber needs to work on the slider and curve to stick as a starter. Of course, we should pump the brakes a bit since most of the positive stats were in low A while A+ wasn't as kind (4.10 ERA). So what would Royber's breakout encore look like in AA Midland? Not good so far. 5.55 ERA with a .244 BAA but 63 K's in 47 IP.
Connor Prielipp LHP MN 22.4 A+ 2025 (MLB NR/MN #5 | Roto #237/#125/#151/#322 | DR #149)
TJ surgery had put a damper on Connor's college career, but now that he's recovered, he's looking to add mph to his FB and pair that with a devasting slider....but the first 2023 Class A+ start wasn't great: 4 IP, 5 H, 3 K's, 3 ER, 6.75 ERA, and then Connor was shut down, only to reappear two months later in the FCL where he struggled again (2.2 IP, 2 ER, 2 walks, 3 hits) and again was shut down.
Blake Walston LHP AZ 21.5 AAA 2023 (MLB#91/NR/AZ#6 | Roto #132/#248/#365/NR | DR #150)
If you're going to throw 90-94, you'd better having devastating secondary pitches (which become your primary pitch). And, last year's 5.16 ERA at AA (1.45 WHIP) told us the ending to that story. But 2023 in AAA was a whole new chapter, with a 2.60 ERA over 9 starts/45 IP but just 32 K's. With this type of production in the hitter friendly PCL, Blake is likely to get a chance with the D'Backs in 2023 but isn't going to blow many fastballs by hitters (think Marco Gonzalez here).
Kahlil Watson SS MIA 20.3 A+ 2025 (MLB#51/NR/MIA#12 | Roto #92/186/#127/#213 | DR #152)
As soon as we write off Kahlil Watson, guess what? He becomes relevant again! Last year in Low A, Kahlil hit an undistinguished 101 wRC+ (#805) based on a .233 Avg, .712 OPS and 35.1% K rate (the 8.2 Spd grade is the only thing that saved Kahlil from being a below average minor league player). Having fallen from a high of #51 in MLP Pipeline's post 2021 draft rank, the former 16th overall pick had low expectations coming into A+ ball in 2023 and after a hot start, the 106 wRC+ hasn't changed our opinion here: Kahlil has lots of work to do.
Nick Gonzales 2B PIT 24.2 MLB 2023 (MLB #30/#93/NR/PIT#6 | Roto #41/#97/#232/#208 |DR#154)
Loidel Chapelli 2B CHW 21.7 A+ 2025 (MLB NR | Roto NR/NR | DR #156)
Loidel is fast, but can also hit with power while not striking out. Although the 183 PAs in DSL didn't qualify Loidel for our official wRC+ battle, the 181 wRC+ would have been among the best. But, that was DSL. What would Loidel do when he came Stateside? Well, the White Sox were aggressive with the Cuban (what is up with CHW and Cuban prospects??) and started him off in A+ (skipping both the ACL and Low A) and Loidel responded fairly well to the challenge: .237 Avg / .730 OPS, 13 2Bs, 3 3Bs, 8 HRs, 15 SBs for a hanging around 104 wRC+.
Luis Torres 1B LAA 19.4 DSL 2026 (MLB NR | Roto NR | DR #158)
The DSL player of the year at 1B hit .345 with 8 HRs and 8 SBs in 59 games for a wOBA of .455 and a wRC+ of 156. But the promotion to Low A has gone bad (.172 Avg / .496 OPS, 32% k rate)
Jose Rodriguez OF MN 18.1 DSL 2026 (MLB NR | Roto NR/#299/#208/#240/NR | DR#159)
After batting .289, .966 OPS with 13 HRs, 15 2Bs, 3 3Bs and 5 SBs over just 190 ABs in the DSL (while taking home the MVP), Jose put himself on the prospect radar. But the Complex League audition has been unremarkable: .262 Avg / .739 OPS, 92 wRC+ (148 PAs)
Cristofer Torin 2B/SS AZ 18.0 DSL 2026 (MLB NR/AZ#16 | Roto NR/#206 | DR #160)
At just 17, Torin was patient at the plate (18.3% BB rate, 9.9% K rate) and can fly (21 SBs). He used those attributes to put together a .450 wOBA and 153 wRC+ in DSL ball (oh by the way, he can pitch too: maybe a little bit Masyn Winn here?)
Cam Collier 3B CIN 18.8 A 2025 (MLB NR/#69/#56 | Roto #78/#45/#69/#205 | DR #166)
Cincy's 1st rounder (#18) overall, got off to a pretty good start in ROK ball (.370 Avg, 1.144 OPS), but what was most impressive to us was the 7 walks to 6 K's. But, 2023 hasn't been so kind as Cam is struggling in Low A to the tune of: .216 Avg / .671 OPS w/ 2 HRs, 3 SBs over 97 ABs.
Brennen Davis OF CHC 23.8 AAA 2024 (MLB#29/#48/#81/NR | Roto#34/#79/#100/#279 | DR #172)
Some 2022 pre-season ranks had Brennen as high as #4 (e.g. Rotowire). But, striking out 40% of the time will hurt both your real and fantasy worlds. We haven't given up on this five tool player, but he needs to work on the hole in his swing, choke up, get a smaller bat...reduce the K rate and improve that average and confidence; and then, let the power play. Brennan has undeniable top physical traits and athletic ability, but there's obviously great risk here and Brennen hasn't lived up to anyone's expectations (mostly his own). While 2023 isn't a make it or break it year, it is for a top 100 prospect rank and Brennan has sunk that with a .197 Avg, .615 OPS, 3 HRs, 157 ABs, 70 wRC+, but hey the K's are WAY down (18.7%). Looks like its time for a change of scenery for Brennen.
George Valera OF CLE 22.6 AAA 2024 (MLB#31/#51/#28 | Roto #40/#54/#129/#265 | DF NR)
We don't know what it is with MLB Pipeline and George Valera but his on the field play (2022: .250 Avg, 816 OPS, 26% K rate, just a 3.7 Spd rate, and wRC+121 which was just #312 among MiLB; and 2023: .219 Avg / .693 OPS, 155 PAs, 75 wRC+ ) constantly runs counter to the projections that MLB Pipeline expects for Valera. Sorry George, but until that production meets projection, you're out of our top 175.
Landon Sims RHP AZ 22.6 ACL 2025 (MLB NR/AZ#6 | Roto #135/#156/#274 | DR#75)
Mississippi State product Landon Sims was said to be another fireballer that also sports a heckuva slider. But, what we watched on 7/29 was anything but..with a FB sitting 91-93 and not moving a lot or fooling hitters (0 K's, 1.2 IP, 3 ER).
Mick Abel SP PHIL 21.11 AA 2024 (MLB#41 | Roto #177)
Luisangel Acuna SS NYM 21.xx AA 2025 (MLB #44 | Roto #40)
Ethan Salas C SD 17.xx A 2025 (MLB #47 | Roto #18)
Robby Snelling LHP SD 19.7 A+ 2025 (MLB#78 | Roto #153)
Jett Williams SS NYM 19.8 A+ 2025 (MLB #79 | Roto#48)
Justin Crawford OF PHIL 19.6 A 2026 (MLB #80 | Roto #370)
Miguel Bleis OF BOS 19.4 A 2026 (MLB #82 | Roto #166)
Anthony Solomento LHP PIT 20.7 AA 2024 (MLB #89 | Roto#78)
Carson Whisenhunt LHP SF 22.9 AA 2024 (MLB #90 | Roto #152)
Samuel Basallo C BALT 18.11 A+ 2025 (MLB#92 | Roto #123)
Roman Anthony OF BOS 19.2 A+ 2025 (MLB #94 | Roto #29)
Sebastian Walcott SS TEX 17.4 ROK 2026 (MLB #96 | Roto #21)
Noah Schultz LHP CHW 19.11 LHP 2026 (MLB#97 | Roto #268)
Jacob Berry 3B/OF MIA 22.0 A+ 2025 (MLB#49/#61/#71/NR | Roto #143/NR | DF NR)
Sure, MIA took Jacob #6 overall in the 2022 draft and he was a top college hitter....but, with the lack of speed and average power, Jacob is going to really need to hit to stick -- and the .248 Avg, .705 OPS from 2022 doesn't get us there nor does the .226 Avg in 2023 w/ .638 OPS over 366 PAs (78 wRC+)
Walker Jenkins OF MIN 18.xx ROK 2026 (MLB__ | Roto #35)
Roderick Arias SS NYY 18.xx ROK 2026 (MLB__ | Roto #37)
Xavier Isaac 1B TB 19.xx A 2025 (MLB__ | Roto #47)
Matt Shaw SS CHC 21.xx A+ 2023 (MLB__ | Roto#59)
Brock Wilkin 3B MIL 21.xx ROK 2025 (MLB__ | Roto #60)
Tommy Troy SS AZ 21.xx A+ 2025 (MLB__ | Roto#61)
Chase Davis OF STL 21.xx A 2025 (MLB__ | Roto#62)
Brayden Taylor 3B TB 21.xx ROK 2025 (MLB__ | Roto#66)
Chase DeLauter OF CLE 21.xx A+ 2025 (MLB__ | Roto#68)
Lawrence Butler OF OAK 23.xx AAA 2023 (MLB__| Roto#71)
Liover Peguero SS PIT 22.xx MLB 2023 (MLB NR | Roto #92)
Sammy Stafura SS CIN 18.xx ROK 2026 (MLB __ | Roto#94)
Arjun Nimmala SS TOR 17.xx ROK 2026 (MLB__ | Roto#95)
Dylan Beavers OF BALT 21.xx AA 2024 (MLB__ | Roto#97)
Blaze Jordan 1B BOS 20.xx AA 2024 (MLB__ Roto #99)
Recent gradutions (and exclusions): Gavin Williams (#1), Eury Perez (#4), Elly De La Cruz (#5), Jordan Walker (#9), Nolan Jones (#15), Taj Bradley (#21), Royce Lewis (#28), Francisco Alvarez (#31), Oscar Colas (#33), Andrew Abbott (#35), Edouard Julien (#36), Emmett Sheehan (#38), Bobby Miller (#40), Matt McLain (#43), Tyler Freeman (#48), Bryan Woo (#52), Sabol (#55), Kerry Carpenter (#59), Luis L. Ortiz (#61), Luis Campusano (#91), Brandon Pfaadt (#167)
**Fangraphs wRC+ statistics used (5/6 - 5/15/23), with a Min 200 Plate Appearances or 40 IP
Address
801 2nd Ave
Seattle WA 98004